Lesser Moorhen
Paragallinula angulata
Small, reclusive moorhen. Often confused with the much more common and extroverted Common Moorhen. Lesser Moorhen is smaller and has a narrower white streak along the side, a mostly yellow bill, and all-yellow legs. Immature is brownish - warmer brown than immature Common Moorhen - with a yellow bill. Found in wetlands, especially grassy, seasonally flooded ones. Shy and retiring. Calls a series of clucks or drier “chak” notes.
Taxonomy
The lesser moorhen was formerly placed in the genus Gallinula, but a 2015 molecular genetic study demonstrated that Gallinula was composed of four distinct lineages. The genus was split into four genera: Gallinula (sensu stricto), Paragallinula, Porphyriops, and Tribonyx.<p>P. angulata is the only known species of Paragallinula which makes Paragallinula a monotypic genus.<p>The name paragallinula comes from the Greek para 'beside' and the genus Gallinula. It is named for its similarity with the members of Gallinula, but it also indicates its unique genetic lineage.
- Scientific name
- Paragallinula angulata
- Authority
- (Sundevall, 1850)
- Order
- Gruiformes
- Family
- Rallidae
- Genus
- Paragallinula
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- unknown
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
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