328 THE BIRDS OF THE BRITISH ISLES. 



Moorhen. Gallifiula chloropus (Linn.). 



The Moorhen (Plate 145) has a wide range in Europe, Asia, 

 and Africa, and is partially migratory. It is an abundant 

 resident in the British Isles, and there are indications of passage 

 migration. 



Moorhen, really " Merehen," is descriptive, but less general 

 than Waterhen. Any water — lake, pond, or river — suits the 

 bird, the size regulating the number present in spring, for it is 

 jealous of territorial rights, and two pairs cannot exist peacefully 

 on one small water. The only birds with which it can be con- 

 fused are the Coot, larger and with a white frontal plate, and 

 the Spotted Crake, smaller and with no plate ; in fact the 

 vermilion bill and frontal plate give the bird its distinctive 

 character. It has a perky, high-stepping gait, and a habit of 

 flirting its tail and bobbing its head. It bobs and flirts when 

 swimming as on land, progressing in a series of short jerks, 

 usually holding the tail level with the water, but often raised so 

 as to show the white under tail-coverts and the black line which 

 centres them. If disturbed it scuttles over the water, half 

 flying, half running, leaving a troubled trail behind as its toes 

 splash the surface. Its long, slightly flanged toes enable it to 

 walk over lily-pads and other floating weeds, and aquatic plants 

 provide it with food, for it is practically omnivorous. Grain 

 and seeds are sought for in the fields, even in the farmyards, 

 at some distance from water, and berries, including garden 

 fruit, are eaten. Animal food, however, is as welcome, and it 

 has been, on slender evidence, accused of destroying eggs and 

 young birds. 



The Moorhen dives well, and is said to use the wings under 

 water, not fully extended but held near the sides, half open ; 

 probably ihe feet are the chief organs of propulsion, as they 

 certainly are in the Coot. Its power of partial submergence 



