moorhen

[ moo r-hen ]

/ ˈmʊərˌhɛn /

Also called water hen. a common species of gallinule, Gallinule chloropus, of nearly worldwide distribution.

any of several related gallinules.

Chiefly British. the female red grouse.

Origin of moorhen

First recorded in 1250–1300, moorhen is from the Middle English word mor-hen. See moor¹, hen

The moorhen and coot are too inconspicuous as they lurk under the reeds, or swim hurriedly across the open water.

Rivers of Great Britain. The Thames, from Source to Sea. |Anonymous
There, too, a moorhen goes, sometimes diving under the bough.

The Hills and the Vale |Richard Jefferies
Carefully looking over that side again, the moorhen who had been out rushed back; the water-rat was gone.

Nature Near London |Richard Jefferies
The nest and eggs of the Coot are very like those of the common Moorhen.

Egyptian Birds |Charles Whymper

From the sedges came the curious cry of the moorhen; a bright kingfisher went by.

After London |Richard Jefferies

moorhen

/ (ˈmʊəˌhɛn, ˈmɔː-) /

a bird, Gallinula chloropus, inhabiting ponds, lakes, etc, having a black plumage, red bill, and a red shield above the bill: family Rallidae (rails)

the female of the red grouse