Moorhen Diet and Size: Feeding Habits, Predators, and Measurements
Moorhens are fascinating birds that can easily walk on lily pads and dive into the water in search of food. Being omnivores, their diet is a variety of both plants and small animals.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the Moorhen’s feeding habits, the dangers from predators, and their size measurements. Keep reading to find out more.
Table of Contents
The Dietary Habits Of The Moorhen
Let’s take a look at what adult Moorhens eat and what they give their chicks to help them grow.
What Does A Moorhen Eat?
Moorhens have a diverse diet that includes both plants and animals. They often forage for worms, insects, snails, and small fish while wading or swimming in their habitats. A variety of plant materials, like berries, seeds, and fruit, commonly found near water, are also on their diet.
They are also known to take advantage of small amphibians and occasionally the eggs of other birds, highlighting their opportunistic feeding behaviour.
What To Feed A Baby Moorhen?
The adult Moorhen takes care of its chicks by feeding them a variety of foods necessary for their quick development. Their diet mainly consists of small invertebrates like insects and worms, which are high in protein, essential for their growth.
They may also offer small aquatic creatures like tadpoles and fish, as well as various plants found in their wetland habitats.
Breeding Habits Of Moorhens
The breeding season of the Moorhen typically starts from mid-March to mid-May, laying 8 to 10 eggs in a clutch, they may lay several clutches in a season, depending on the environment. Their nests are built like platforms from reeds and other water plants, often tucked away in sheltered areas near water.
When it comes to mating, they engage in various ritualistic behaviours like circling, pacing, and head dipping, yet they usually do this in silence without vocal sounds.
Do Moorhens Mate For Life?
Moorhens usually form monogamous relationships and are known to create lasting bonds that can last a lifetime. They often stay with the same partner across multiple breeding seasons, working together to build nests and care for their young. This long-term commitment plays a significant role in their social behaviour and helps improve their success in raising chicks by ensuring they care for them together.
The Size & Weight Of Moorhens
In this section, we’ll take a look at how much Moorhens weigh and how big they grow, along with a few comparisons to similar birds.
How Much Does A Moorhen Weigh?
The typical weight of a Moorhen ranges from 250 to 400 grams, which helps them remain agile in water and on land. Males generally weigh a little more than females, leading to small variations within this range. This average weight is comparable to that of other small water birds that live in the same types of environments.
How Big Is A Moorhen?
Generally, Moorhens measure between 32 and 35 centimetres in length, making them medium-sized birds. Their wingspan is usually about 50 to 55 centimetres. This size allows them to move efficiently across both water and land. They are comparable to a feral pigeon in terms of body size and weight.
Are Moorhens Under Threat?
Globally, the Moorhen is marked as “Least Concern” by the IUCN, showing that its numbers are stable across its wide range. In the UK, this bird holds a “Green” status in the Birds of Conservation Concern 4, suggesting a generally stable population.
However, there are local worries about breeding numbers and habitat issues, particularly in Scotland. Studies indicate that breeding numbers may be falling, possibly due to predation and loss of habitat.
What Eats A Moorhen?
In the UK, Moorhens are vulnerable to various predators. Foxes often hunt them along canal banks and in wetland areas, making them a common threat.
Domestic cats are also dangerous, especially to young birds and chicks in urban water settings.
Invasive mink have also been seen preying on these birds, impacting their numbers in specific locations.
Where Can I See Moorhens In The UK?
Thanks to their adaptability, Moorhens can be spotted in various places across the UK. They are commonly found in urban parks that feature ponds and in suburban areas with suitable water bodies.
Riverbanks and canals are also popular spots for these birds, making them accessible to bird watchers.
For a more immersive experience with nature, consider visiting the Great Fen in Cambridgeshire. Particularly at Holme Fen and Woodwalton Fen, the Great Fen provides rich wetland environments that support a range of wildlife, including Moorhens.
In Scotland, Moorhens are widespread in the lowlands, especially in areas like the Montrose Basin and Cambus Pools, where the right mix of water and plants is perfect for nesting and feeding.
SEE ALSO: Moorhen Life Cycle: Nest Building To Fledging (and everything in between)
Frequently Asked Questions
The body size of a Moorhen generally ranges between 32 and 35 centimetres in length, with a wingspan of about 50 to 55 centimetres.
The mating behaviour in Moorhens includes various ritualistic activities such as circling, pacing, and head dipping. They typically engage in these behaviours silently, without making vocal sounds.
Moorhens are not herbivores; they are omnivores. Their diet includes a variety of plants and small animals, such as worms, insects, snails, and small fish.
