moorhen

noun

Etymology: From Middle English morhen, perhaps from Old English *mōrhenn, an alteration of Old English worhenn (compare coordinate masculine term mōrhana, a possible corruption of worhana (“pheasant”)), equivalent to moor + hen.

1. Any of various medium-sized water birds of the genus Gallinula, of the rail family, that feed in open water margins.

   “The pond was another favourite place to visit. Moorhens strutted from the neighbouring bushes, and a bevy of Muscovy ducks, a study in black, white and red, waddled from the farmyard hard by to enjoy a refreshing splash.”

2. A female red grouse, Lagopus lagopus scotica.