Moorhen Gallinula chloropus

Scarce breeding resident on Shetland, but mainly a passage migrant and occasional winter visitor to Foula.

Pre 1950 Furness has reported that they bred irregularly on the island, since then there have been a couple of breeding attempts, one successful, in 1959.

Generally the first birds are seen in March/April. These birds are presumed to have wintered. Numbers occasionally increase to four or five birds into May and June.

Single figures of returning birds are seen from August into October/November.

The highest count to date, was twelve birds on the 24^th April, 1955.