Rodrigues Rail vs African Swamphen

Erythromachus leguati compared with Porphyrio madagascariensis

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Rodrigues Rail African Swamphen
Scientific Name Erythromachus leguati 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

None

Rodrigues Rail only

African Swamphen only

Conservation Status

Extinct

Rodrigues Rail

Not Evaluated

African Swamphen

About These Birds

Rodrigues Rail

Rodrigues Rail (Erythromachus leguati) is an extinct flightless rail formerly endemic to Rodrigues Island in the Indian Ocean. Known from a 1691 account and subfossil bones; reddish plumage, long legs, reduced wings. Related to Mauritius Red Rail. Extirpated by introduced cats and rats, and direct hunting by settlers, by the early 18th century.

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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