Whilst walking my local patch this morning I saw some moorhens in the Rush Meadow, whilst it is not unusual to see them there, what was unusual was that there was a group of 12 (at least) all together in a small flock. I would describe their behaviour as 'partridge like' they were all moving together in the same direction and every so often the stragglers would fly a short distance just to catch up.
I have not witnessed this sort of behaviour in moorhens before and wondered if anybody else has, they usually tend to be shy solitary creatures and I think a bit late in the year for this to be a family group.
I know Coots often form quite large flocks (even though they don't really get on with each other) but have not seen this in moorhens before.
Any ideas?
"Feed the birds, tuppence a bag" Mary Poppins
Hi Norfolk Dipper,
Moorhens are social birds that gather into flocks of 15-30 individuals. An older adult male is generally the dominant member of these groups.
During the breeding season, the birds are far less tolerant of others entering their territory and become very aggressive towards one another.
I have seen between 10 and 15 at any one time.
Regards Buzzard
Nature Is Amazing - Let Us Keep It That Way
Hmmm very perculiar. I have seen loose groups of moorhens together but not in a way that I would call them a flock.
Millie & Fly the Border Collies
Buzzard said: Hi Norfolk Dipper, Moorhens are social birds that gather into flocks of 15-30 individuals. An older adult male is generally the dominant member of these groups. During the breeding season, the birds are far less tolerant of others entering their territory and become very aggressive towards one another. I have seen between 10 and 15 at any one time. Regards Buzzard
Thanks Buzzard
Just goes to show that even an often overlooked species can sometimes surprise you.