The Common Gallinule is a chicken-like waterbird with a bright red-and-yellow bill shield that bobs its head while swimming. It walks on lily pads and floating vegetation with large feet that distribute its weight. Young from earlier broods help parents feed their younger siblings — a rare form of cooperative breeding.
Best time to see a Common Gallinule
The best time to see a Common Gallinule is January–July, when about 67% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 47,280 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
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