Common Gallinule Gallinula galeata

Blackish, chicken-like marsh bird, often found near cattails, never far from water. Often seen swimming, picking at the water's surface, or walking along the edge of aquatic vegetation. Thick legs and long toes are drab yellow. Adults have bright red bill with yellow tip, thin white side stripe, and some white under the tail. Immatures are paler and grayer than adults, lacking brightly colored bill.