Help with Gallinule/Moorhen ID

[Pro2typer]

Hi all,

Saw these birds at the Charleston Slough in Palo Alto CA, at about 11:30 am today.  I think it’s a Common Moorhen but they are rare for the area so I wanted to confirm. 

Thanks in advance.

Bill

 

Edited August 7, 2021 by Pro2typer

[Connor Cochrane]

Common Gallinule. They were split from the Common (Eurasian) Moorhen awhile back. 

[Pro2typer]

Thanks Conner

[Charlie Spencer]

38 minutes ago, Pro2typer said:

I think it’s a Common Moorhen ...

Any chance you're working from an older field guide?

[Quiscalus quiscula]

Agree with Common Gallinule.

[Peromyscus]

Common Gallinule, formerly called Common Moorhen

[Bird-Boys]

A few points to remember when separating Gallinules and Moorhens;

• Adults with mostly yellow lower mandibles might safely be identified as Eurasian Moorhen.
• Adults (bright red bills) with limited yellow on the lower mandible are likely American Gallinules.
• A large and flat-topped shield is an indication of American Gallinule.
• Birds with bright red eyes are likely Eurasian Moorhen.
• Seriously, the easiest way to identify a silent or subadult Moorhen or Gallinule might be to find a dropped feather and send it away for DNA testing.

This is just the beginning of an effort to figure out how to identify these birds. There is still lots to be learned and hopefully someday a better understanding of variation in Moorhens and Gallinules will allow them to be identified with some more confidence, and maybe even be able to identify them in juvenal plumage. 

Edited August 8, 2021 by Bird-Boys

[Pro2typer]

@Charlie Spencer

4 hours ago, Charlie Spencer said:

Any chance you're working from an older field guide?

 I was observing the birds when another group of birders came by and were very positive they were common Moorhens.  They were a bit older though! ?

Thanks all for responding and confirming!