White-breasted Waterhen vs African Swamphen

Amaurornis phoenicurus compared with Porphyrio madagascariensis

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute White-breasted Waterhen African Swamphen
Scientific Name Amaurornis phoenicurus Porphyrio madagascariensis
Order Gruiformes Gruiformes
Family Rallidae Rallidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Not Evaluated
Length
Wingspan 29.4 cm (11.6 in)
Weight 212.66666666666666 g (7.50 oz) 608.0 g (21.45 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 4-9 2-6
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

White-breasted Waterhen only

African Swamphen only

None

Conservation Status

Least Concern

White-breasted Waterhen

Not Evaluated

African Swamphen

About These Birds

White-breasted Waterhen

White-breasted Waterhen (Amaurornis phoenicurus) is a bold 28–33 cm rail of South and South-East Asia. Slaty-black above; white face and breast; chestnut vent; red base to yellow bill. Common across India, South-East Asia, and China in marshes, rice paddies, ditches, and waterways. Often forages in open, even in towns.

African Swamphen

African Swamphen (Porphyrio madagascariensis) is a 38–50 cm large gallinule of sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar. Deep blue-purple with greenish back, massive red bill and frontal shield, and red legs. Inhabits papyrus swamps, lake shores, and dense reed beds. Similar to Purple Swamphen but restricted to Africa.

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