{"id":353,"date":"2016-02-15T19:44:06","date_gmt":"2016-02-15T19:44:06","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wenzo.net\/oldbonesjournal\/?p=353"},"modified":"2016-02-15T19:44:13","modified_gmt":"2016-02-15T19:44:13","slug":"common-gallinule-gallinula-galeata","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wenzo.net\/oldbonesjournal\/2016\/02\/15\/common-gallinule-gallinula-galeata\/","title":{"rendered":"Common gallinule (Gallinula galeata)"},"content":{"rendered":"

A large group of American coots slowly swim across the water. Their white frontal shields are easily seen in the late afternoon sun. Suddenly, another bird is spotted. It looks very similar to a coot, yet it has a red frontal shield. Like the coots, it is swimming around in the water. What is it? It’s a gallinule, specifically the Common gallinule (Gallinula galeata<\/em>).<\/p>\n

The common gallinule, as it’s name suggests, is one of the most common gruiform birds in North America. In fact, it is the most widespread Rallidae bird in the world, far outnumbering the coots, its close relatives. There are two species of gallinules in North America, the Common and the American purple. The latter is a brightly colored wading bird that inhabits the swamps and water-logged forests of the Southeast.<\/p>\n

In terms of size, Common gallinules are roughly chicken-sized. In fact, they resemble gamebirds more than the secretive and water-loving rails. However, no North American gallinaceous birds have bright red beaks with yellow tips. Also, it is very rare to find a Common gallinule far from water, while many species of gamebirds in North America live in prairies and forests, sometimes far from water.<\/p>\n

The common gallinule and the American coot look very similar, and are closely related. However, there are some notable differences. Below is a chart of each bird’s identification, so that they can be distinguished.<\/p>\n

American coot:<\/p>\n