This bird is usually found around the water, mostly ponds and canals and just general wetlands. They have a nice appearance, nice red faceplates, black body with brown and white accents, a thing of beauty.
Like the name implies they are rather common, they are found in almost whole Afro Eurasia, but they’re not the most common type of rail(type of water bird) you find in most countries. In comparison to the Eurasian coot these guys aren’t common at all. I think this is because this bird is a bit shy, they usually run away if they see you looking at them. Probably because humans are very scary.
They eat some greens and bugs that are found around the water, they also make their nests in the waterline among the high grass. For some reason they lay their eggs in any nest they can find, their own, other moorhens, ducks, partridges, whatever. Don’t know why but maybe it’s more efficient.
This is a cute little water bird and I’m always delighted when I see them.
