Common Gallinule
The Common Gallinule is a unique looking bird with it’s long toes (allowing it to walk on vegetation), red facial shield, and their “candy corn” looking beak.
Common Gallinule
Common Gallinule
As with other birds, the functionality of the facial shield appears to relate to protection of the Gallinule’s face while feeding in or moving through dense vegetation, as well as courtship display and territorial defense.
According to Hawaiian mythology, the Gallinule brought fire from the volcano gods to the Hawaiian people and its white forehead was scorched in the process. The Common Gallinule’s Hawaiian name is “Alae Ula” which means “burnt forehead.”
Photos by Donna 
Looks like a Moorhen 😉
It is a Moorhen, or was called so in the U.S. until 2011 when the American Ornithologists’ Union and the International Ornithological Committee decided our New World species should be differentiated from the Old World Common Moorhen. 🙂
Busybodies do like to keep interfering! There has been so many splits of species (due to DNA) that I reckon it was only for the top birders to gain a few more ‘armchair ticks’ to their life lists! Some are impossible to tell apart in the field.
I agree, Brian!
I always feel a thrill when I spot a gallinule in the reeds, they’re so unique and beautiful. Both these photos do a great job of highlighting their beauty, Donna
Thank you, Jet! They are pretty cool sounding too. 🙂
He is quite striking with his ‘burnt head’. I wouldn’t call him common at all. 😃
I think so too! 😃 Thank you, Sylvia.
I do like this unique Bird, was lucky to see the parents with two chicks nearby home this summer.
The chicks are so adorable! I’ve not seen them personally but in photos.
Are they related to Moor Hens otherwise known as American Coots? Although the feet are more like a Sora. Either way, it is exciting to see a new species of bird.
We did originally called these Common Moorhens in North America. But in 2011 it was decided by the American Ornithologists’ Union and the International Ornithological Committee to rename them as a New World species to separate it from the Old World species. These are also a different species from the American Coot.
Thank you I appreciate your reply. Happy birding this weekend.
What an unusual looking bird. Cute! 😊
They are, in they’re own little way! 😊
Hello Donna! What a beautiful series. We have both “common moorhens” and “coots” here as well, but it’s a joy to see our American cousins across the ocean 🙂
Hi Takami, and thank you! 😊
Oh my gosh, I see these birds at our wetlands too! How awesome! I had not yet learned what they were. And we saw their babies too. I’m adding this to my list 🙂 Thank you!
Yay, adding to your list calls for a happy dance! 💃 One thing to look for in your photos, if it’s missing the white bar on its wing, check for other dissimilarities that are slight, it could be a Purple Gallinule, also seen in Florida. (I’m still searching for that one!) Oh babies, I’ve seen photos, so adorable and oddly cute! 😊
So, I pulled up my photos and they do have the white marks on the wing. We also have some very similar looking birds with a white beak, with dark red on the top of the beak, and bright red eyes. And yes the young not quite babies are so cute and gangly looking 🙂
The similar looking bird with the white shield and beak with red spot is an American Coot. 🙂
Thank you!! 😎
I was just reading about the Moorhen. related to Coots. Neat!
Magnificent photos and nice to learn new things. I have been wondering why coots and moorhen are having that kind of forehead. You explained it well, thank you Donna!
Thank you, Minna, and you’re welcome! 😊
Lovely pics Donna. Our bird which resembles yours is called the Dusky Moorhen.
Thank you, Ashley! Yes it does, I just pulled up images. 🙂
It is different for sure! Well spotted and captured, Donna!
Thank you, Indira!
Rather attractive looking bird with distinctive features. Interesting post and great photos, Donna.
Thank you, Belinda!
I have this vague memory of catching a glimpse of one of these. Perhaps in NM or AZ? But, I know… it doesn’t count without a picture! 😉 Perfect captures as always! ❤
I bet you saw a Common Gallinule at Bosque del Apache NWR where they are year-round. 🙂 If I remember correctly, you’ve been there many times. Thanks, Gunta!
Only three times, but never during times when they’re having the major migration. Eric once lived not far from there and had many more opportunities to visit the del Apache. It’s a wonderful refuge.
Very nice Donna! Always fun to photograph a Common Gallinule!
Thank you, Reed!