Common Gallinule (Gallinula galeata)

Identification & Behavior: ~31 cm (12.2 in). The Common Gallinule has a blackish head that grades to gray toward the underpart and olive-brown towards the upperparts. The bill is greenish with a bright red base on the bill and forehead. It has a thin white band along the sides and white undertail feathers. The legs are greenish. It resembles the Andean Coot but distinguished by its smaller size and lighter built, and the bright red forehead and base of the bill. Also, see Red-fronted Coot.

Status: The Common Gallinule is commons at coastal wetlands. It also occurs in Andean lakes reaching elevations of up to 4400 m. It also occurs in scattered locations in Amazonia. It also occurs in Co, Ec, Br, Bo, and Ch.

Name in Spanish: Polla de Agua Común.

Sub-species: Common Gallinule (Gallinula galeata pauxilla) Bangs, 1915. Also
G. g. garmani J. A. Allen, 1876..

Meaning of Name: Gallinula: L. gallinule= little hen or little chicken. galeata: L. Galea, galeatus= helmet, Roman helmet.

See more of the Family Rallidae