Gallinula galeata, commonly known as the Common Gallinule or the Common Moorhen, is native to regions across the Americas. Its geographical distribution includes much of North America, parts of Central America, and northern South America. In North America, it can be found from southern Canada through the United States, and it is particularly common in the southeastern U.S. It also inhabits the islands of the Caribbean.

The Common Gallinule typically inhabits freshwater wetlands such as ponds, lakes, marshes, and rivers. It prefers habitats with abundant emergent vegetation, which provides cover and nesting sites, and areas with open water for foraging.

The ecological niche of Gallinula galeata involves feeding on a variety of plant materials, seeds, and small aquatic creatures like insects and snails. Its role in the ecosystem includes contributing to the control of aquatic vegetation and acting as prey for predators like raptors and large mammals. The species is adapted to both temperate and tropical climates, and it can exhibit regional adaptations in its habitat use, especially in response to changes in water levels and vegetation availability.