Dusky Moorhen
Gallinula tenebrosa
About This Species
A common sight on ponds, lakes and slow rivers across eastern and southern Australia, swimming with a jerky head-bob and flicking its tail to reveal white undertail feathers. Look for it grazing on waterside lawns and reedbeds alongside coots and other waterfowl, most active through the day. Breeding pairs build floating or reed-based nests and can be seen year-round, with more visible family groups in spring and summer.
Ethical Viewing Guidelines
- Viewing from a path or bank at a normal birdwatching distance is generally fine, since this is a common, adaptable waterbird rather than one requiring special precautions.
- Avoid feeding it or approaching nests closely, as disturbance can cause adults to abandon eggs or chicks.
- Wetland and waterbird protections vary between Australian states and territories, so check local rules if visiting a reserve with nesting birds.
LCAvesGruiformesRallidae
Seasonal Activity
608,401 sightings · 2000–2026
Citizen science records via GBIF
All monthsThis month
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Gruiformes
- Family
- Rallidae
Photo
(c) Lip Kee Yap, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)
CC-BY-SA-4.0
Occurrence data from GBIF.