Gough Moorhen
Gallinula comeri
A medium-sized dark moorhen restricted to the Tristan da Cunha islands. Similar to Common Moorhen, which is a vagrant to the Tristan group, but stouter, with a black neck and underparts, no white on the flanks, and mostly red legs blotched with yellow (not all yellow as in Common). Juvenile has yellow legs but is flightless. Native to Gough Island and introduced on Tristan Island. Fairly common but somewhat secretive on both islands, preferring tussock grass and thickets below 500 meters of elevation. Calls include an electric rapid “cher-cher-chuk” and a soft “ek” in contact.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Gallinula comeri
- Authority
- (Allen, JA, 1892)
- Order
- Gruiformes
- Family
- Rallidae
- Genus
- Gallinula
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
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Nannopterum auritum
Dark body with orange bare skin at the base of the bill. Breeding adults are all black. Immatures and nonbreeders have paler breast. Dives underwater to catch fish. Swims like a duck in between dives. Finds open perches to spread wings and dry feathers. Can be in large flocks or solo. Most widespread cormorant across U.S. and Canada; also most likely to be seen inland.
San Andres Vireo
Vireo caribaeus
A hyperactive inhabitant of brush and mangroves; largely pursues insects near the ground and at moderate heights. This species has a green back that contrasts with a gray crown, white wingbars, and a yellow stripe from the upper bill to the eye. Its vocalizations include “chuck-a” given in a series, a buzzy “dzu-wheet” often given repeatedly, and a buzzy “zhe-zhe-juuu.”
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