In General

The Dusky Moorhen, while being a fairly common site in the Redlands, is a very misidentified bird, also known as the Black Moorhen or Waterhen, it is often confused with the slightly larger Purple Swamphen, Porphyrio porphyrio.

This bird is often seen on a fresh body of water, be it a dam, lake, creek or lagoon, it is about 40cm in length.

Diet

Aquatic plants and insects .

Habitat

Wetlands, lakes, dams, creeks, lagoons, most bodies of freshwater within its range, with a preference to those with vegetation.

Breeding

A breeding group of up to 8 birds gather during the breeding season with all contributing to nest building and caring for the young. Nests are made out of vegetation on the water's surface amongst aquatic plants. Several females lay eggs in the one nest, with a nest containing up to 18 eggs, and all members assisting with incubation.

Conservation status

Secure