Hawaiian Coot vs White Swamphen

Fulica alai compared with Porphyrio albus

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Hawaiian Coot White Swamphen
Scientific Name Fulica alai Porphyrio albus
Order Gruiformes Gruiformes
Family Rallidae Rallidae
Conservation Status Near Threatened Extinct
Length — —
Wingspan 34.9 cm (13.7 in) —
Weight 544.7 g (19.21 oz) —
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 1-10 --
Population Trend — —

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Hawaiian Coot only

None

White Swamphen only

Conservation Status

Near Threatened

Hawaiian Coot

Extinct

White Swamphen

About These Birds

Hawaiian Coot

Hawaiian Coot (Fulica alai) is a 33–40 cm endemic coot of Hawaii's freshwater wetlands. All-black with white frontal shield and bill; shield may show reddish spot. Inhabits marshes, ponds, and coastal lagoons on all main islands. Feeds on aquatic plants, algae, and invertebrates.

White Swamphen

White Swamphen (Porphyrio albus) is an extinct all-white swamphen formerly endemic to Lord Howe Island, Australia. Known from specimens collected around 1790 and early drawings; had reduced wings indicating flightlessness or near-flightlessness. Extirpated by hunting after European discovery. Related to Australasian Swamphen.

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