The Common Gallinule (Gallinula galeata) is a medium-sized waterbird found in wetlands across North America, Central America, and parts of South America. It has a distinctive appearance with a dark plumage, a bright red frontal shield, and long, yellow-green legs. This bird is often seen walking on floating vegetation or swimming in shallow waters. Common Gallinules primarily feed on aquatic plants, seeds, and small invertebrates. They are known for their loud calls and can be quite vocal during the breeding season. These birds build their nests in dense vegetation near water, where they lay 5 to 10 eggs that hatch after about three weeks.