Gallinula (Gallinula) tenebrosa
Dusky Moorhen
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Gruiformes
Family
Rallidae
Genus
Gallinula
Species
Gallinula (Gallinula) tenebrosa
Status
least concern
Colours
Distinguishing features
The adult Dusky Moorhen is mainly dark grey-black, with a browner tinge to the upper parts. It has a red frontal shield and yellow-tipped red bill like its Eurasian relative, but lacks the white flank line shown by Common Moorhen, and has orange-yellow rather than yellow legs.
Sexes are similar, but young birds have mid-brown plumage. (Wikipedia)
Size
- From 35 cm to 38 cm (Length of specimen)
Wingspan
- Wingspan data is not yet available.
Synonyms
Similar taxa
-
Animalia:
Australasian Swamphen (species: Porphyrio melanotus)
The difference between Porphyrio melanotus and Gallinula (Gallinula) tenebrosa is that the former has one white spot, while the latter has two on its undertail. This is particularly helpful for distinguishing immature birds.
Distribution
©Atlas of Living Australia: Australian distribution: Dusky Moorhen (Gallinula (Gallinula) tenebrosa)
Distribution and habitat preferences
It occurs in Australia, New Guinea, and Indonesia. It is found in wetland habitats, with a preference for freshwater marshes. (Wikipedia)
Diet
It is generally omnivorous, taking a wide variety of plant and animal food. (Wikipedia)
