Female Moorhens (Male vs Female Identification)

Moorhens belong to the Rallidae family, which also includes black chickens, which are often confused with black chickens. There are 8 species of moorhens, mainly found in Europe, Africa and Oceania.

Here’s a complete guide to female swamp hens, including how to tell them from males.

Although males are usually slightly larger than females, most female females are nearly identical. Apart from body size, there are few noticeable differences between males and females, especially common or Eurasian marsh chickens.

Lesser marsh chickens are slightly different in that females are significantly lighter than males. In contrast to the black plumage of males, females are light brown. Interestingly, Lesser moorhen belongs to a different genus than the other species.

Read on to learn more about the differences between female and male marsh chickens!

Female (left) and male (right) Moorhens – note the size difference

How do you know if Moorhen is male or female?

There is no consistent way to visually identify males and females There is no consistent method for visual identification of female female female female female female female female female female female female female female female female female female female female female female female female female female female female female female female female female female female female female female female female female female female female female female female female female female female female female female female Males are slightly heavier. They all range in height from 30 to 38 centimeters, but males weigh 249 to 493 grams and females are lighter at 192 to 343 grams.

The two are very similar in appearance, with dark plumage, a white tail and a white patch on the underside, and a distinctive red beak and visor with a yellow tip.

Moorhens and coots are often confused – remember that there is an “R” in moorhen for “red”, but there is no “R” in coot – because black ducks have white masks while moorhens have red masks!

There is no consistent method for visually identifying male and female black hens

little red grouse

There is little difference between male and female marsh hens of the genus Chicken algae. However, there is another marsh hen of a different genus, Paragalina, which contains only little black hens. In the case of the marsh chicken, the females can be identified from the males.

Compared with the black plumage of the male, the plumage of the female pullet Moore hen is light gray, especially the silver gray part. Her beak is also duller, not as red as the male’s.

Close-up of a female young mole hen

What is a female mole hen called?

The birds’ name – moorhen – uses the feminine gender word “hen”. So, is there a cock? !

No, but these birds are sometimes called waterfowl, and there is a waterfowl, but that’s a different species in a different genus of the same family. It’s a bit confusing!

In short, the female moorhen is simply called moorhen, the same name as the male.

female mole hen no specific name

What does a female mole hen look like?

Female common moorhens and other species Chicken algae The genus looks the same as the male. Their plumage is predominantly dark, black olive, or black with small white segments on the tail and flanks.

The beak is usually dark or crimson with a yellow tip. Moorhens have red eyes and large yellow flippers. They have a rounded appearance like other water birds.

Females generally look identical to males, but are slightly smaller.

Male and female mole hens share the same plumage

Are female Moorhens bigger than males?

Male common or Eurasian swamp hens are larger than females, weighing on average about 100 to 150 grams. This difference is difficult to discern with the naked eye.

behavioral difference

voice and vocalization

The call of a Moor hen includes a series of “krrrruk”, “kurr-ik” and “kark” sounds. Other terms include “tik” or “tek”. Little, if any, difference has been reported between the calls of male and female marsh chickens.

breeding

Moorhens are predominantly monogamous, the same as some waterfowl such as geese and swans, but not others such as ducks.

Nest building and chick rearing are highly cooperative, with both males and females participating in nest building and chick rearing. Some reports say that the males do most of the incubation, while the females guard the nesting sites.

Moorhens have multiple litters a year – sometimes as many as 3 – and the youngsters of the previous nest usually assist future nests.

Close up of a moor hen incubating her eggs in the nest

Can a hen raise offspring alone?

Hens form strong monogamous bonds. Males and females work together to build nests, incubate eggs, and raise chicks. Females may not be able to raise cubs alone.

What color are female mole hens?

Female moorhens are usually the same color as the males, with predominantly black and black olive plumage, with white stripes on the tail and flanks.

The Lesser moorhen is slightly different, the females are much lighter than the males and have gray and silver gray plumage.

Males are usually slightly larger than female Moorhens when together – Eurasian or Common Moorhens Breeding Pair

Do female mole hens crow?

Moore hens do not sing, only cooing. Most calls are harsh, loud, and high-pitched, including “krrrruk,” “kurr-ik,” “kark,” “tik,” and “tek.” They do have some quieter, more melodic calls that are exchanged between males and females.

Do black hens have red beaks?

from Chicken algae The genus has red beaks like the males, with no clear or consistent differences between male and female beaks.

Little Red Grouse from Paragalina Slightly different, as females have darker beaks and lack the same intense red pigmentation as males.