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Common Name : Common Moorhen     -       Scientific Name : Gallinula chloropus       -       Other Name : Swamp Chicken (E), Wilkukula (S)
Kokkare Villu
04/21/2016
Kokkare Villu
09/24/2016

This is a breeding resident found in marshes, ponds, canals and wetlands throughout the lowlands. This species is quite wide spread and can be found in suitable habitat in America, Europe, Asia and Africa. Five subspecies have been recognized.

The conservation status of this species is regarded as Least Concerned (National Red List 2012).

This is a species protected under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance as amended by Act No. 22 of 2009.

I have seen this species water associated habitat through out the lowlands. It is common even in wetlands close to the city of Colombo such as Thalangama wetlands, Kotte Marshes and at Bellanwila Attidiya. In the north it can be seen in the Mannar Island and the Jaffna peninsula. I have never seen it at any locality above 250meters from the sea.

This is not a very commonly seen species in Wilpattu but is usually seen around Kokkare Villu. Other than at Kokkare Villu I have seen it at Panikkar Villu, Tala Wila, Galge Vihare Tank and at Periya Villu.