Missouri Department of Conservation
Missouri Department of Conservation

Taxonomy

Common Name: GALLINULE, COMMON

Phylum: CHORDATA

Class: AVES

Order: GRUIFORMES

Family: RALLIDAE

Genus: GALLINULA

Species: GALEATA

SubSpecies: CACHINNANS

Taxonomic Authority: BANGS

Taxonomy References: 001

Status

GAME
STATE RANK S2
GLOBAL RANK G5

Status References: 009 , 018 , 034

Habitat Summary

"Occur in marshes with robust emergent vegetation."

Primary Habitat: "Wetland - marsh"

References: 005 , 006 , 007 , 008 , 004

Distribution

General Occurrence in State:

"Rare summer resident *29*."

County Occurance

County Occurence
Known Likely Unknown Not Likely Historic Extirpated
BOLLINGER ADAIR
BOONE ANDREW
BUCHANAN ATCHISON
CLINTON AUDRAIN
HOLT BARRY
PIKE BARTON
PLATTE BATES
ST. CHARLES BENTON
STODDARD BUTLER
CALDWELL
CALLAWAY
CAMDEN
CAPE GIRARDEAU
CARROLL
CARTER
CASS
CEDAR
CHARITON
CHRISTIAN
CLARK
CLAY
COLE
COOPER
CRAWFORD
DADE
DALLAS
DAVIESS
DEKALB
DENT
DOUGLAS
DUNKLIN
FRANKLIN
GASCONADE
GENTRY
GREENE
GRUNDY
HARRISON
HENRY
HICKORY
HOWARD
HOWELL
IRON
JACKSON
JASPER
JEFFERSON
JOHNSON
KNOX
LACLEDE
LAFAYETTE
LAWRENCE
LEWIS
LINCOLN
LINN
LIVINGSTON
MACON
MADISON
MARIES
MARION
MCDONALD
MERCER
MILLER
MISSISSIPPI
MONITEAU
MONROE
MONTGOMERY
MORGAN
NEW MADRID
NEWTON
NODAWAY
OREGON
OSAGE
OZARK
PEMISCOT
PERRY
PETTIS
PHELPS
POLK
PULASKI
PUTNAM
RALLS
RANDOLPH
RAY
REYNOLDS
RIPLEY
SALINE
SCHUYLER
SCOTLAND
SCOTT
SHANNON
SHELBY
ST. CLAIR
ST. FRANCOIS
ST. LOUIS
STE. GENEVIEVE
STONE
SULLIVAN
TANEY
TEXAS
VERNON
WARREN
WASHINGTON
WAYNE
WEBSTER
WORTH
WRIGHT

References for distribution: 002 , 014 , 015 , 016 , 017 , 029 , 032

Distribution by Watersheds

Miss. R. from Des Moines R. to MO. R.; and North R.
Salt R.
Cuivre R.
Dardenne Creek
Castor R. and Castor R. Diversion Channel
St. Francis R. from Wappapello Dam to Arkansas Border
Little R.
Mo. R. from Nishnabotna R. to Nodaway R.
Nodaway R.
Mo.R. from Nodaway to Kansas City
Platte R.
One Hundred and Two R.
Grand R. from Headwaters to Shoal Creek
Mo. R. from Gasconade R. to Miss. R.

Comments: "Likely to occur in units listed, based on county occurrence."

Distribution by Ecoregions

Central Till Plains, Mississippi River Alluvial Plains, Ozark Highlands

Comments: ""

Distribution by Potential Natural Vegetation

Bluestem Prairie/Oak Hickory Forest
Oak-Hickory Forest
Oak-Hickory-Pine Forest
Southern Floodplain Forest

Distribution by Natural Divisions of Missouri

Glaciated Plains: Western
Glaciated Plains: Grand River
Glaciated Plains: Eastern
Glaciated Plains: Lincoln Hills
Big Rivers
Big Rivers: Upper Missouri
Big Rivers: Lower Missouri
Big Rivers: Upper Mississippi
Big Rivers: Lower Mississippi
Ozark Border: Missouri River
Ozark Border: Mississippi River
Mississippi Lowlands: Lowlands

Habitat Associations

Species is associated with "Terrestrial/Aquatic" habitats.

National Wetlands Inventory Association:

Palustrine

Aquatic Associations:

"Lacustrine, littoral", "Aquatic bed, rooted vascular"
"Lacustrine, littoral", "Aquatic bed, floating vascular"
"Lacustrine, littoral", "Unconsolidated bottom, cobble/gravel"
"Lacustrine, littoral", "Unconsolidated bottom, mud"
"Palustrine", "Aquatic bed, algal"
"Palustrine", "Aquatic bed, rooted vascular"
"Palustrine", "Aquatic bed, floating vascular"
"Palustrine", "Emergent, persistent"
"Palustrine", "Emergent, persistent",
"Palustrine", "Emergent, persistent",
"Palustrine", "Forested, broad-leaved deciduous"
"Palustrine", "Scrub/shrub, broad-leaved deciduous"
"Palustrine", "Unconsolidated bottom, sand"
"Palustrine", "Unconsolidated bottom, mud"
"Palustrine", "Unconsolidated bottom, organic"
"Riverine, lower perennial", "Aquatic bed, rooted vascular"
"Riverine, lower perennial", "Aquatic bed, floating vascular"
"Riverine, lower perennial", "Unconsolidated bottom, mud"

References for Aquatic Associations: 002 , 003 , 005 , 006 , 008 , 016 , 019 , 020 , 022 , 023 , 033 , 004

Habitat Types:

Marsh

References for Habitat Types: 002 , 005 , 008 , 010 , 016 , 004

Terrestrial Natural Communities:

Wetland
Marshes
Freshwater Marsh
Pond Marsh
Swamps
Swamp
Pond Swamp
Shrub Swamp
Pond Shrub Swamp

References for Terrestrial Natural Communities: 002 , 005 , 008 , 016 , 004

Food Habits

Trophic Level:

"Carnivore"

Larval Food Habits

Comments for larval food habits:
""

References for larval food habits:

Juvenile Food Habits

Diptera (flies, midges, mosquitos, gnats); Larva stage
Odonata (dragonflies, damselflies); Not Specified

Comments for Juvenile Food Habits:
""

References Juvenile Food Habits 004

Adult Food Habits

Najadaceae (pondweed); Bole/Stem
Bryophyta (liverworts, mosses, hornworts); Bole/Stem
Najadaceae (pondweed); Leaves/Needles
Bryophyta (liverworts, mosses, hornworts); Leaves/Needles
Polygonaceae (buckwheat, rhubarb, smartweed); Fruit/Seeds
Nymphaeaceae (lily); Fruit/Seeds
Gramineae (grass); Fruit/Seeds
Lemnaceae (duckweed); All of plant
Trichoptera (caddisflies); Larva stage
Diptera (flies, midges, mosquitos, gnats); Larva stage
Ephemeroptera (mayflies); Larva stage
Odonata (dragonflies, damselflies); Larva stage
Trichoptera (caddisflies); Pupa stage
Hemiptera (water bugs, water boatmen, stink bugs); Not Specified
Coleoptera (beetles); Not Specified
Osteichthyes (bony fishes); Not Specified
Aquatic Insects; Not Specified
Terrestrial Insects; Not Specified
Aquatic plants; Not Specified
Insects Insects; Not Specified
Orthoptera (grasshoppers, crickets, mantids); Not Specified
See comments on seasonal variation; Not Specified
Oligochaetes (earthworms); Not Specified
Molluscs; Not Specified
Bivalve molluscs; Not Specified
Snails; Not Specified
Arachnids (spiders, ticks, mites, scorpions, daddy longlegs); Not Specified

Comments for Adult Food Habits:
""

References Adult Food Habits 005 , 012 , 013 , 024 , 025 , 026 , 028 , 004

Niche Requirements

Egg Niche Requirements

References for egg niches requirements:

Feeding Larvae Niche Requirements

References for feeding larvae niche requirements:

Resting Larvae Niche Requirements

References for resting Larvae niche requirements:

Feeding Juvenile Niche Requirements

Aquatic vegetation specified in comments(00120)

References for feeding juvenile niche requirements:

Resting Juvenile Niche Requirements

References for resting juvenile niche requirements:

Breeding Adult Niche Requirements

Other niche requirements specified in comments(99999)
Aquatic vegetation: cattail (Typha)
Aquatic vegetation: bulrush (Scirpus)
Aquatic vegetation: sedge (Carex)
Aquatic vegetation: smartweed (Polygonum)
Aquatic vegetation: arrowhead (Sagittaria)
Aquatic vegetation: spike rush (Eleocharis)
Aquatic vegetation: burreed (Sparganium)
Aquatic vegetation: water lily (Nymphaea)
Aquatic vegetation: rushes (Juncus)
Aquatic vegetation specified in comments(00120)
Aquatic vegetation: pickerel weed (Pontederia)
Aquatic vegetation: spatterdock
Height of aquatic/emergent vegetation specified in comments(00125)
Open water (%) specified in comments(00135)
Water level: semipermanently flooded
Water depth: shallow
Water depth specified in comments(00230)
Inland wetlands: marsh
Distance to open water (in wetland) specified in comments(00435)
Agricultural crops: rice
Agricultural crops specified in comments(00670)

References for feeding Adult niche requirements: 003 , 005 , 006 , 007 , 019 , 020 , 021 , 022 , 023 , 030 , 031 , 004

Feeding Adult Niche Requirements

Inland wetlands: marsh

References for feeding adult niche requirements:

Resting Adult Niche Requirements

Inland wetlands: marsh

References for resting adult niche requirements: 016

Niche Requirement Summary

Agricultural crops specified in comments(00670)
Agricultural crops: rice
Aquatic vegetation specified in comments(00120)
Aquatic vegetation: arrowhead (Sagittaria)
Aquatic vegetation: bulrush (Scirpus)
Aquatic vegetation: burreed (Sparganium)
Aquatic vegetation: cattail (Typha)
Aquatic vegetation: pickerel weed (Pontederia)
Aquatic vegetation: rushes (Juncus)
Aquatic vegetation: sedge (Carex)
Aquatic vegetation: smartweed (Polygonum)
Aquatic vegetation: spatterdock
Aquatic vegetation: spike rush (Eleocharis)
Aquatic vegetation: water lily (Nymphaea)
Distance to open water (in wetland) specified in comments(00435)
Height of aquatic/emergent vegetation specified in comments(00125)
Inland wetlands: marsh
Open water (%) specified in comments(00135)
Other niche requirements specified in comments(99999)
Water depth specified in comments(00230)
Water depth: shallow
Water level specified in comments(00180)
Water level: semipermanently flooded

Comments about Life History:

Code Comment
016 Outer diameter 15", height 8", inner diameter 8", depth 3" *08*. In WI, shallow bowl 4-11 cm deep and 12-25 cm across, width of nest structure 21-32 cm *06*
017 Incubation 21 days *08,05*, 20-22 days *25*. In WI, hens began incubation when half of clutch deposited, 20-24 days *06*
018 Clutch in TX 4-17, average 9.1 eggs *07* 6-17, typically 10-12 *08,05*, in OH, 3-15, average 8 *22*. In WI study, 18 nests had 5-12 eggs, mean 8.1 *06*. In IA, mean clutch 7.1 eggs *04*
026 Extremely territorial during breeding season *06*. Parents with broods fought when young wandered in wrong territory, but broods fed freely among mallard and blue-winged teal broods *06*.
028 Home range 1.22 ha during nesting season, 5.61 at other times. Juvenile home range 6.76 ha *25*.
031 In WI, 33% nests lost to predators *06*. Predators and flooding are primary causes of nest loss *23*.
035 Predators include raccoons, coyotes, snakes, and crows *07,05*, grackles and marsh rice rats *23*. Largemouth bass are important brood predators in LA *20,23*, snapping turtles in OH *21*. Nests subject to trampling by livestock *07*. Nesting parasitism occurs inter- and intraspecifically *07*
099 Young are brooded for approximately 14 days *20*. Depend on parents for food for about three weeks *06,20*. Brood 5-6 weeks old observed without adult in WI *06*. Young from first brood sometimes join chicks and adults from second brood as helpers, assist in defending territory and feeding chicks in second brood *27*. Nests usually have sloping runway attached *05,08,20,21,23*. In LA study, nests in cattail always had ramps, floating nests built in water hyacinth, maidencane and common arrowhead did not *20*. Often build platforms near nest for roosting, loafing, and brooding young *08,04,23*. Parents usually leave nest site with young when 1/3 to 1/2 eggs hatched, young left behind must forage for themselves *07*. Nest density in OH averaged 1.5 pairs/ha, ranged from .2/ha in recently flooded wetlands to 4.6/ha in good marsh *21*.
003 Nest typically in cattails *03,04,05,06*
007 Ia nests initiated mid May to late June *04*. In OH, nests initiation peaked when cattail height reaches 45-100 cm above water's surface *21*.
014 Usually bed of nest 4-6" above water surface *05*. In IA, eggs always 2-3" above water level, even with fluctuating water depth, buoyant nest *03*. In TX, eggs 2-12" above water *07*
015 Nest materials include stems and stalks of surrounding aquatic vegetation *08,06,03*. In LA, 78% of nests were made of material available within 1 m of nest *23*.

Life History Information

Territoriality specified in comments(026)
Home range size specified in comments(028)
Mortality rate specified in comments(031)
Regulatory factors specified in comments(035)
Other life history information specified in comments(099)
Origin in state: native
Seasonal distribution in state: spring/summer/fall
Closely associated plant or animal species specified in comments(003)
Foraging strategy: gleaning
Foraging strategy: diving
Foraging sites: water
Breeding season specified in comments(007)
Mating system: monogamy
Nest/den site: shrubs
Nest/den site: floating aquatic vegetation
Nest/den site: emergent aquatic vegetation
Nest/den site: rushes and cattails
Nest height specified in comments(014)
Nest materials: grasses
Nest materials: forbs
Nest materials specified in comments(015)
Nest dimensions specified in comments(016)
Gestation/incubation period specified in comments(017)
Clutch/litter size specified in comments(018)
Number of broods/litter per year: one
Development of young at birth/hatching: precocial
Parental care of young: both parents

Comments about Life History:

Code Comment
016 Outer diameter 15", height 8", inner diameter 8", depth 3" *08*. In WI, shallow bowl 4-11 cm deep and 12-25 cm across, width of nest structure 21-32 cm *06*
017 Incubation 21 days *08,05*, 20-22 days *25*. In WI, hens began incubation when half of clutch deposited, 20-24 days *06*
018 Clutch in TX 4-17, average 9.1 eggs *07* 6-17, typically 10-12 *08,05*, in OH, 3-15, average 8 *22*. In WI study, 18 nests had 5-12 eggs, mean 8.1 *06*. In IA, mean clutch 7.1 eggs *04*
026 Extremely territorial during breeding season *06*. Parents with broods fought when young wandered in wrong territory, but broods fed freely among mallard and blue-winged teal broods *06*.
028 Home range 1.22 ha during nesting season, 5.61 at other times. Juvenile home range 6.76 ha *25*.
031 In WI, 33% nests lost to predators *06*. Predators and flooding are primary causes of nest loss *23*.
035 Predators include raccoons, coyotes, snakes, and crows *07,05*, grackles and marsh rice rats *23*. Largemouth bass are important brood predators in LA *20,23*, snapping turtles in OH *21*. Nests subject to trampling by livestock *07*. Nesting parasitism occurs inter- and intraspecifically *07*
099 Young are brooded for approximately 14 days *20*. Depend on parents for food for about three weeks *06,20*. Brood 5-6 weeks old observed without adult in WI *06*. Young from first brood sometimes join chicks and adults from second brood as helpers, assist in defending territory and feeding chicks in second brood *27*. Nests usually have sloping runway attached *05,08,20,21,23*. In LA study, nests in cattail always had ramps, floating nests built in water hyacinth, maidencane and common arrowhead did not *20*. Often build platforms near nest for roosting, loafing, and brooding young *08,04,23*. Parents usually leave nest site with young when 1/3 to 1/2 eggs hatched, young left behind must forage for themselves *07*. Nest density in OH averaged 1.5 pairs/ha, ranged from .2/ha in recently flooded wetlands to 4.6/ha in good marsh *21*.
003 Nest typically in cattails *03,04,05,06*
007 Ia nests initiated mid May to late June *04*. In OH, nests initiation peaked when cattail height reaches 45-100 cm above water's surface *21*.
014 Usually bed of nest 4-6" above water surface *05*. In IA, eggs always 2-3" above water level, even with fluctuating water depth, buoyant nest *03*. In TX, eggs 2-12" above water *07*
015 Nest materials include stems and stalks of surrounding aquatic vegetation *08,06,03*. In LA, 78% of nests were made of material available within 1 m of nest *23*.

References for life history: 002 , 003 , 005 , 006 , 007 , 008 , 016 , 020 , 021 , 022 , 023 , 025 , 027 , 004

Management

Beneficial Management Practices:

Regulate harvest of species being described
Water - develop/maintain wetlands
Water - develop/maintain freshwater marsh
Water - control sedimentation
Water - control pollution (thermal, physical, chemical)
Water - control water levels

Beneficial Management References: 002 , 006 , 007 , 014 , 016

Adverse Managment Practices:

Water - application of pesticides
Water - application of insecticides
Water - dredging and filling
Water - control aquatic plants
Water - navigational improvements (channelization, dams, locks)
Water - stream channelization
Water - drainage of wetlands, marshes, ponds, lakes

Adverse Management References: 002 , 006 , 007 , 014 , 016

Comments on Management:
Need good cover/water interspersion and robust emergents.*16*

References for Management Comments: 016

References

Reference Code Citation
001 American Ornithologists Union. 1988. Checklist Of North American Birds (7th Ed.) American Ornithologist's Union. Washington, D.C. 829 pp.
002 Unpb Wilson, Jim D. Mo Dept. Conserv. P.O. Box 180. Jefferson City, Mo 65102. (573)751-4115.
003 Provost, M.W. 1947. Nesting Of Birds On The Marshes Of Northwest Iowa. Am. Midl. Nat. 38(2):485-503.
004 Fredrickson, L.H. 1971. Common Gallinule Breeding Biology And Development. Auk 88:914-919.
005 Bent, A.C. 1926. Life Histories Of North American Marsh Birds. U.S. Nat. Mus. Bull. 135. 490 Pp.
006 Unpb Krauth, S. 1972. The Breeding Biology Of The Common Gallinule. M.Sthesis. Univ. Of Wisconsin, Oshkosh.
007 Cottam, C. and W.C. Glazener. 1959. Late Nesting Of Water Birds In South Texas. Trans. N.A. Wildl. Conf. 24:382-394.
008 Harrison, H.H. 1975. A Field Guide To Birds Nests In The United States East Of The Mississippi River. Houghton - Mifflin Co., Boston 257 Pp.
009 Missouri Register. Migratory Game Birds And Waterfowl: Seasons, Limits. 3csr 10-7.440.
010 Kelly, G. (Ed.) 1986. Animal Habitat Relations Handbook. Mo Dept. Of Conservation and U.S.D.A. Forest Service. Jefferson City, Mo. 293 Pp.
011 Thom, R.H. and J.H. Wilson. 1980 The Natural Divisions Of Missouri. Trans. Mo Acad. Sci. 14:9-24.
012 Simpson, T.W. 1939. Feeding Habits Of The Coot, Florida Gallinule And Least Bittern On Reelfoot Lake. Report Of The Reelfoot Lake Biological Station. J. Tenn. Acad. Sci. 14:110-115.
013 Howell, A.H. 1932. (Cited In Ref. 06) Florida Bird Life. Published By The Fla. Dept. Of Game And Fresh Water Fish.
014 Kelly, J. and C. Hobbs (Compilers). 1978. Bird Checklist, Greater Kansas City Area. Burroughs Audubon Society Of Kansas City (Publishers).
015 Duck Creek Bird Checklist. 1979. Missouri Dept. Of Conservation, Jefferson City, Mo.
016 Unpb Fredrickson, L.H. Univ. Mo. Gaylord Research Lab. Puxico, Mo. 63960 (573)222-3203.
017 Unpb Reed, F.A. Univ. Of Missouri. 112 Stephens Hall. Columbia, Mo 65211. (573)882-3436.
018 The Checklist Of Rare And Endangered Species Of Missouri. 1991. Mo Dept. Of Conservation. Jefferson City, Mo. 44 Pp.
019 Unpb Krauth, S. 1972. The Breeding Biology Of The Common Gallinule. M.S. Thesis, Univ. Wi, Oskosh. 74 Pp.
020 Unpb Bell, G.R. 1976. Ecological Observations Of Common And Purple Gallinules On Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge. M.S. Thesis, Univ. Southwestern La. 59 Pp.
021 Unpb Brackney, A.W. 1979. Population Ecology Of Common Gallinules In Southwestern Lake Erie Marshes. M.S. Thesis, Oh State Univ., Columbus. 69 Pp.
022 Brackney, A.W. and T.A. Bookhout. 1982. Population Ecology Of Common Gallinules In Southwestern Lake Erie Marshes. Ohio J. Sci. 82:229-237.
023 Unpb Helm, R.N. 1982. Chronological Nesting Study Of Common And Purple Gallinules Nesting In The Marshlands And Rice Fields Of Southwest Louisiana. M.S. Thesis, Louisiana State Univ., Baton Rouge. 114 Pp.
024 O'Meara, T.E., W.R. Marion, O.B. Myers and W.M. Hetrick. 1982. Food Habits Of Three Bird Species On Phosphate-Mine Settling Ponds And Natural Wetlands. Proc. Se Assoc. Fish Wildl. Agencies 36:515-526.
025 Unpb Mattews, W.C. Jr. 1983. Home Rnage, Movements And Habitat Selection Of Nesting Gallinules In A Louisiana Freshwater Marsh. M.S. Thesis, Louisiana State Univ., Baton Rouge. 134 Pp.
026 Unpb Mulholland, R. 1983. Feeding Ecology Of The Common Moorhen (Gallinula Chloropus) And Purple Gallinule (Porphyrula Martinica) On Orange Lake, Florida. M.S. Thesis, Univ. Florida, Gainesville. 79 Pp.
027 Leonard, M.L., A.G. Horn and S.F. Eden. 1989. Does Juvenile Helping Enhance Reproductive Success? A Removal Experiment Of Moorhens. Behav. Ecol. Sociobiol. 25:357-362.
028 Mulholland, R. and H.F. Percival. 1982. Food Habits Of The Common Moorhen And Purple Gallinule In North-Central Florida. Proc. Se Assoc. Fish Wildl. Agencies 36:527-536.
029 Easterla, D.A., M.B. Robbins and R.A. Anderson. 1992. Annotated Check-List Of Missouri Birds. The Audubon Society Of Missouri.
030 Hohman, W.L., J.L. Moore, T.M. Stark, G.A. Weisbrich and R.A. Coon. 1994. Breeding Waterbird Use Of Louisiana Rice Fields In Relation To Planting Practices. Proc. Ann. Conf. Southeast Assoc. Fish Wildl. Agencies 48:31-37.
031 Jacobs, K.J., J.P. Dunn, F.E. Hartman and A.J. Nastase. 1993. Effects Of Management Practices Upon Waterfowl Abundance, Usage, And Marsh Ecology In State Game Lands. Pa Game Comm., Final Report For Project 06510, Job 51005. 26 Pp
032 Jacobs, B. and J.D. Wilson. 1997. Missouri Breeding Bird Atlas 1986-1992. Mo Dept. Of Conservation. Natural History Series No. 6. Jefferson City, Mo. 430 Pp.
033 Anderson, J.T., T.C. Tacha, G.T. Muehl and D. Lobpries. 1996. Wetland Use By Waterbirds That Winter In Coastal Texas. Nat. Biol. Serv. Information and Technology Report 8. 40 Pp.
034 Missouri Natural Heritage Program. 2004. Missouri Species and Communities of Conservation Concern Checklist. Missouri Department Of Conservation. Jefferson City, Missouri. 47 Pp.