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Birds of Ireland: Moorhen

Moorhens are rarely seen in flight — when frightened or in danger, they run along water surface with neck outstretched and wings flapping furiously

Birds of Ireland: Moorhen — A moorhen sitting on her nest. Picture: Denis Scannell

Sun, 22 Jun, 2025 - 06:05

Jim Wilson and Mark Carmody

Moor hen [Cearc uisce | Gallinula chloropus]

A moorhen is about 32-35 cm long with a wing span of 50-55cm. They are a common breeding species found here, typically on wetland, all year round.

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