Did you know: The Dusky Moorhen - Devoted Parents of Australian Wetlands

The Dusky Moorhen is a charming and often overlooked bird that adds a touch of wild beauty to freshwater habitats across Australia. Known for their striking dark plumage and distinctive red facial shield, these birds are more than just a pretty sight. They have fascinating family life and parenting habits that make them a joy to watch and learn about.

Credit Aysegul Yahsi on Unsplash

Understanding the Dusky Moorhen

Dusky Moorhens (Gallinula tenebrosa) are part of the rail family, which includes birds that generally prefer to live in dense vegetation near water. They are commonly found in wetlands, ponds, lakes, and slow-flowing rivers throughout Australia, as well as in parts of New Guinea, Indonesia, Borneo, and India. These birds are well adapted to a life both on land and in water, with strong legs and long toes that help them walk easily on floating vegetation and soft mud.

Appearance and Behavior

The Dusky Moorhen is medium-sized, about 30 to 38 cm in length, with a body that is mostly dark grey-black with a subtle sheen. Their most eye-catching feature is their brightly colored red frontal shield and bill with a yellow tip, making them easy to identify. Their legs are olive-green, and they have distinctive white undertail coverts that become visible as they move.

These birds are generally shy but curious. They can be seen quietly foraging in the shallows for food, demonstrating their excellent swimming and diving abilities. They slip gracefully through water plants or dive quickly to escape danger. Despite their cautious nature, their inquisitive side sometimes brings them closer to human habitation, especially in parks and gardens with water features.

Credit Thea Harrison on Unsplash

Family Life and Raising Chicks

Dusky Moorhens are known for their strong family bonds and cooperative breeding behaviors. They usually form monogamous pairs that stay together through the breeding season, and sometimes even longer. Both the male and female share the task of building a nest, incubating eggs, and caring for the young.

The nest is typically built low to the water, hidden in dense reeds, rushes, or other aquatic vegetation to protect it from predators. It is a loose platform made from grass, reeds, and leaves, with the base either floating on water or resting in shallow areas.

The female lays between four to ten eggs, which are pale green or olive with dark spots. Incubation lasts around 18 to 20 days, with both parents taking turns to keep the eggs warm and safe. During this time, the adults are extremely vigilant, displaying defensive behaviors to protect their nest from predators or intruders.

Australian Moorhens with chicks in our office backyard - Credit Author

The Early Days

Once hatched, the chicks are covered in down and have a striking appearance with red-orange coloring on their heads and necks, blending well with the nest vegetation. Remarkably, Moorhen chicks are precocial, meaning they are relatively mature and mobile soon after hatching. Within hours, they can follow their parents out of the nest and begin feeding themselves, though the adults continue to feed and protect them.

Both parents are active caregivers, feeding the chicks by bringing small insects, snails, and plant matter. Sometimes, older siblings or other group members help care for the chicks, a behavior known as cooperative breeding. This team effort increases the chicks' chances of survival in the wild.

Dusky moorhen and hatchling - Credit Flickr, Lip Kee

Challenges and Adaptations

Raising a moorhen family comes with significant risks. Predators include larger birds like hawks and crows, snakes, foxes, and introduced species such as cats and rats. Nest flooding during heavy rains or disturbances from humans can also threaten eggs and chicks.

To protect their young, adult moorhens use a variety of calls and whistles to warn of danger and assemble the family. They will aggressively defend their territory if threatened, chasing away potential threats with loud calls and wing displays.

Moorhen chicks are quick learners, and their early independence is vital for survival. They rapidly learn to hide among reeds or dive underwater to escape danger. This agility continues to develop as they grow, allowing them to thrive in their watery environment.

Role in the Ecosystem

Dusky Moorhens play a significant role in their ecosystem. As omnivores, they help control insect populations by feeding on larvae and small invertebrates. Their plant-eating habits also contribute to maintaining healthy aquatic vegetation by preventing overgrowth. Additionally, their nests can provide shelter for a variety of small aquatic creatures.

They are considered indicators of wetland health; a strong population of Dusky Moorhens generally signifies a well-balanced aquatic environment with clean water and adequate vegetation.

Watching Moorhens in the Wild

If you want to observe Dusky Moorhens raising their families, look for wetlands and freshwater lakes with plenty of reeds and water plants. Early mornings or evenings provide the best opportunities to see them active. Be patient and keep a respectful distance to avoid disturbing their natural behavior.

In your backyard, creating a small pond with aquatic plants can encourage moorhens and other native waterbirds to visit. Providing a safe, quiet space near water will increase your chances of spotting these fascinating birds going about their family lives.

Conclusion

The Dusky Moorhen is more than just a common waterbird; it is a devoted parent and an important part of the wetland environment. Their careful nest building, shared parenting duties, and protection of their chicks highlight the strong family values they demonstrate. Observing their behaviors offers a delightful window into the complexity and beauty of nature right in Australia's backyards and wild places.

By understanding and appreciating the Dusky Moorhen's family life, people can better support wetland habitats and enjoy the peaceful company of these remarkable birds.

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