Moorhen Colour Ringing Project

Friday, December 23rd 2022

Moorhens are omnivorous waterbirds with blackish-brown plumage, green legs and a red face shield. It is thought that the brightness of the red and yellow bill are indicators of the health of an individual with brighter colours relating to lower levels of bacterial infection. Moorhens are also one of only two cooperatively breeding bird species in the UK with older chicks helping their parents to rear younger ones. 

Despite being common birds, relatively little is known about the survival and movement of Moorhens. To better understand this species, and to inform conservation, the Waterbird Colour-Marking Group has set up a colour ringing project across Britain and Ireland. Each bird is fitted with a plastic colour ring in addition to a British Trust for Ornithology metal ring to allow for easier sightings in the field. 

Two birds have been colour ringed at Foxglove so far including this juvenile male who has not yet got his red face shield. The long length of his wing allowed ringers to determine that he is a male. 

This adult male was also ringed.  

Please report any sightings of these individuals on the Waterbird Colour-Marking Group website as this will provide vital information about their movements and survival. Thank you to everyone involved in this important conservation project!

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