Lesser Moorhen

The lesser moorhen (Paragallinula angulata) is a species of bird in the family Rallidae. It is sometimes placed into the genus Gallinula. It is the only member of the genus Paragallinula.

Taxonomy: The lesser moorhen was formerly placed in the genus Gallinula, but a 2015 molecular genetic study demonstrated that Gallinula was composed of four distinct lineages. The genus was split into four genera: Gallinula (sensu stricto), Paragallinula, Porphyriops, and Tribonyx.

P. angulata is the only known species of Paragallinula which makes Paragallinula a monotypic genus.

The name Paragallinula comes from the Greek para ´beside´ and the genus Gallinula. It is named for its similarity with the members of Gallinula, but it also indicates its unique genetic lineage.

Distribution: The lesser moorhen is widely spread across Sub-Saharan Africa (excluding Southern Africa and Madagascar). It was once recorded in the Western Palearctic as a rare vagrant. This species has also been sighted in Brazil, Egypt, Morocco, and Oman.