The Moorhen are medium-sized water birds belonging to the Rail Family. With his short rounded wings and stocky body, he is a poor flier although quite capable of cross long distances. Some species, especially those in island populations, however, have become almost flightless and three species - the Samoan, the Makira and the Tristan - are presumed extinct, victims of deforestation and predation by introduced mammals. His sturdy legs and splayed toes allow him to walk on uneven, soft surfaces and he is a capable swimmer. Omnivorous in diet, he consumes plant material, rodents, amphibians and eggs. Outside of breeding season he is sociable in nature, but when springs comes he will aggressively defend his territory against all potential competitors.
This is an Australian Dusky Moorhen.
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