Snapshots – Common Gallinule

The Common Gallinule is a member of the rail family. It has the look of a chicken despite its aquatic lifestyle. It’s original name, the Common Moorhen, recalled that resemblance. It is a close relative of the moorhens of Europe, Asia and Africa, but this North American species was renamed in 2011 to distinguish them. Gallinules can swim quite well but they do not have webbed feet. Their big feet with long toes help them walk across soft mud and floating plants.