Common Moorhen
(Gallinula chloropus)

Generally solitary, this species walks or swims, gleaning small animal from plants.

Photo by Marlene Cashen

Common Moorhen
(Gallinula chloropus)

Adult and juvenile plumage
Common Moorhens are generally solitary in freshwater marshes and bayous where there is an abundance of vegetarian.

Purple Gallinule
(Porphyrula martinica)

Adult plumage
The extremely handsome Purple Gallinule is an uncommon bird in freshwater marshes and swamp borders.

(Photo by P.F. Chandler)

American Coot
(Fulica americana)

Adult plumage
The gregarious American Coot is an abundant winter visitor to Alabama estuaries. They are powerful swimmers and feed on aquatic plants.

(Photo by John Borom)

American Coot
(Fulica americana)

This close relative of the gallinules and moorhens lives on open water and is sometimes mistaken for a duck. It pumps its head back and forth like a chicken when walking and swimming and usually travels and feeds in flocks.

(Photo by Dave Cagnolatti)