moorhen: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

No, they are different species in the same rail family. A coot is larger, entirely black with a distinctive white frontal shield and bill. The moorhen is smaller, dark with a red shield and bill with a yellow tip.

Yes, moorhens can fly, but they are not strong, long-distance fliers. They often fly low over water with their legs dangling, usually for short distances to escape danger or move between ponds.

They are omnivorous. Their diet includes aquatic plants, seeds, fruits, insects, snails, and even small fish or tadpoles, which they find while foraging on land or in shallow water.

Yes, but it is sometimes considered a slightly more British term. American bird guides often list the species as the 'Common Gallinule', though 'Common Moorhen' is still an accepted and understood name among birdwatchers.

A small, black or dark brown waterbird with a red frontal shield on its head, found in wetlands.

Moorhen is usually neutral (can be used in everyday, academic, and technical contexts depending on discussion) in register.

Moorhen: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɔːhen/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmʊrˌhɛn/ or /ˈmɔrˌhɛn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.