Common Gallinule Southern Wetland

The common gallinule (Gallinula galeata) is found in marshes, ponds and other wetlands across North America. It is not found in polar regions. It is most often heard before it seen. It likes cover and will often quickly disappear into the reeds when startled.

This video was shot in South Carolina and Florida but I've seen and heard these birds in Southern Ontario. They migrate south when cooler temperatures begin to dominate the weather.

It eats a wide variety of vegetable material and small aquatic creatures.It has long wide spreading toes which allows it to move about on water lilies.

They are very territorial birds and chases among rivals is common.