Gallinule, << GAL uh nool, >> is a water bird that lives in marshes throughout the world. The most widespread species (kinds) are the common moorhen, which nests in Eurasia and Africa, and the common gallinule, which nests in North and South America. The common gallinule is sometimes called the American moorhen. Both species are sooty-colored or black, with a broad red plate covering the forehead like a shield. They have red bills. The birds are about 1 foot (30 centimeters) long. Another gallinule is called the purple gallinule. It nests from the southern United States to South America.
Gallinules build their nests on rough platforms of reeds and grasses in marshes. Female gallinules lay from 6 to 14 eggs of different colors. Gallinules are excellent swimmers but poor fliers. Gallinules remain concealed most of the time in marsh grasses.
