Wednesday 18 December 2013

Wild Bird Wednesday 75 - Dusky Moorhen.

So, finally, I have a WBW bird where the name makes sense - well sort of anyway.

This is the Dusky Moorhen - Gallinula tenebrosa - a close relative of the common Moorhen, which is found all over the world.  "Moor" in this case is an old term for a swamp - so this is a swamp hen - which is just about as accurate a name as you can find.

I'l just post some pictures of this bird - hopefully showing that while it may be Dusky, it's not without some charm.






Now its over to you - click on the link below and off you go!  (It's been a long day, and I have just got back from a school Christmas event - hence the brevity of the post!)

34 comments:

  1. Charming indeed Stewart.

    Unbelievably I had a Common Moorhen visit my waterless garden for 4 days running last winter....

    Some lovely light on your images here, lovely shots mate.

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  2. I like these birds a lot -- and we do see them (exactly the same for a change). Lovely pictures -- hard to get,they're shy!

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  3. A great serie of this Dusky Moorhen! Very special bird!
    We have "sivhøne" and "sothøne" in Norway. Perhaps the same famely?

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  4. Their charcoal coloring is dazzling in the lighting you're captured today, Stewart.

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  5. Ah, your moorhens look a lot like ours in North America.

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  6. I'm not a guy, but if I were and I was a leg guy, I would be hot for those colorful legs. Dusky or not, I love the legs and the smudge of red on their faces. My Mother used to have Moorhens on her pond, but I don't remember them being so colorful. They behaved a lot like chickens on the ground ... I think their personalities befit them :)Great post, Stewart ...

    Andrea @ From The Sol

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  7. It's quite attractive, and the chick is sweet! Terrific shots Stewart!

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  8. Yes....it is a bit duskier:) Although it looks like a Common Moorhen to me....kinda:) I love their chicks. Great shots!

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  9. What a striking bird, lovely photos!

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  10. They have big feet - for wading? Very attractive bird.

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  11. I really like their rainbow legs. From Finday

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  12. That certainly is an interesting bird. Very unusual shape.

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  13. OK, I'll let you off that one. It is a bit on the greyish side of black but not a patch on a real Moorhen. Only kidding of course. Thanks for being a great host Stewart.

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  14. The Moorhens are cool birds, great shots Stewart. Thanks for hosting, have a happy week!

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  15. I think it to be quite charming. I wonder why they use names like Common and Dusky when naming lovely creatures.

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  16. What a dark beauty!

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  17. It does have a mystical beauty about it.. Swampy but still charming :) have a great week ahead Stewart !

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  18. Beautiful shots - looks like a very co-operative bird standing like that in the light!

    I've looked at a few of these related birds around the world and they all look the same to me!

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  19. A great series of photos. I especially like the first one with the adult and juvenile.

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  20. Beautiful shots! I like the contrast of bill and legs against the plumage. They're similar to our Moorhen.

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  21. Hi Stewart Love the many colours in this birds legs. I won't be posting next week as it is Christmas Day so may I wish you and your family a very HAPPY CHRISTMAS and may you have a blessed new year. Thanks for hosting.

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  22. Its always good to hear of a new bird, though I have to say (as you know)ours is a tad more colourful.
    All the best Gordon.

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  23. They're really rather pretty! Great series of photos, Stewart. You captured them at their best!

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  24. Great shots of the Dusky Moorhen Stewart! I always en joy seeing the "Common Gallinule" (Moorhen, Swamphen) here too, especially during breeding season.

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  25. Great shots Stewart. Not dissimilar from the Moorhen we get here in the UK.

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  26. Interesting feet and beaks. Nice shots. MB

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  27. I really like his dark coloring. His legs are pretty colorful as well. I'd say he is a handsome bird!
    Nice photos Stewart!

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