Gallinula is a genus of birds commonly known as moorhens. These birds are typically found in wetlands, marshes, and along the edges of lakes and rivers. They have a distinctive appearance, characterized by their rounded bodies, long toes, and short tails. Most species have dark plumage with a bright red or yellow frontal shield on their foreheads. Moorhens are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of plants, seeds, insects, and small aquatic animals. They are known for their strong swimming abilities and often dive underwater to escape predators. Gallinula species are widely distributed across the world, with some being migratory.