Gallinula galeata ORDER: GRUIFORMES FAMILY: RALLIDAE
IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern
© Gerrit Vyn
The most widely distributed member of the rail family, the Common Gallinule inhabits marshes and ponds from Canada to Chile, from northern Europe to southern Africa, and across Asia to the Pacific. Vocal and boldly marked, the species can be quite conspicuous, sometimes using its long toes to walk atop floating vegetation.
A highly varied repertoire of calls, including clucks, whinnies, cackles, squawks, and yelps.