Moorhens are widely distributed waterbirds found across diverse environments, from well-vegetated marshes and ponds to urban parks and canals. They are omnivorous, meaning their diet consists of both plant and animal matter.
Natural Diet of Moorhens
Moorhens exhibit an opportunistic feeding strategy, consuming a wide array of food items. Their plant-based diet includes various aquatic vegetation such as algae, duckweed, pondweed, and submerged plants like hydrilla. They also graze on grasses and consume seeds, berries, and fallen fruits found near water bodies.
In addition to plant matter, moorhens regularly feed on a diverse range of invertebrates. These include aquatic insects and their larvae, flies, beetles, worms, snails, slugs, spiders, crustaceans, and mollusks. Occasionally, their diet may extend to small vertebrates like fish, tadpoles, other amphibians, and sometimes even the eggs of other birds or carrion.
Foraging Habits and Habitat
Moorhens employ several techniques to find food. They can be observed dipping their heads underwater, surface sifting, or upending their bodies to reach submerged vegetation and aquatic organisms. Their long toes allow them to walk across floating lily pads and dense aquatic vegetation in search of food.
They also forage on land, where they graze on plants and glean insects from the ground. Moorhens use their beaks to probe in mud and vegetation, uncovering hidden invertebrates. They favor habitats with still or slow-moving water and abundant shoreline vegetation, as these areas provide both protection and food.
Seasonal Shifts in Moorhen Diet
The diet of moorhens shifts throughout the year, reflecting changes in food availability. During spring and summer, when insect populations are abundant and young plant shoots are readily available, their diet often includes a higher proportion of protein-rich invertebrates. This increased protein intake is important during the breeding season to support nesting and chick rearing.
As autumn and winter approach, and insect numbers decline, moorhens adjust their diet to rely more heavily on seeds, berries, and tubers or roots. They may also increase scavenging during colder months when other food sources become scarce. This seasonal adaptability ensures their survival.
Feeding Moorhens Safely
Feeding wild moorhens is generally not recommended, as they find sufficient food in their natural habitats. Providing human food can lead to nutritional deficiencies, dependence on artificial feeding, and potentially contribute to the spread of disease among bird populations.
If feeding is deemed necessary, such as during extreme weather conditions, it should be done sparingly and with appropriate food items. Small quantities of defrosted peas, sweetcorn, or specialist waterfowl pellets are suitable options. Avoid offering human foods like bread, crackers, or processed snacks, as these offer little nutritional value and can cause digestive problems for the birds.