Reunion Rail vs African Swamphen

Dryolimnas augusti compared with Porphyrio madagascariensis

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Reunion Rail African Swamphen
Scientific Name Dryolimnas augusti Porphyrio madagascariensis
Order Gruiformes Gruiformes
Family Rallidae Rallidae
Conservation Status Extinct Not Evaluated
Length
Wingspan
Weight 608.0 g (21.45 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size -- 2-6
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Reunion Rail only

None

African Swamphen only

None

Conservation Status

Extinct

Reunion Rail

Not Evaluated

African Swamphen

About These Birds

Reunion Rail

Reunion Rail (Dryolimnas augusti). Extinct. A flightless rail formerly endemic to Réunion Island, Indian Ocean. Known only from sub-fossil bones; estimated around 35 cm. Closely related to the White-throated Rail. Extinct by the 18th century, likely due to introduced rats, pigs and hunting by early settlers.

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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