Giant Coot vs White Swamphen
Fulica gigantea compared with Porphyrio albus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Giant Coot | White Swamphen |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Fulica gigantea | Porphyrio albus |
| Order | Gruiformes | Gruiformes |
| Family | Rallidae | Rallidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Extinct |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 53.6 cm (21.1 in) | — |
| Weight | 2324.0 g (81.98 oz) | — |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 3-7 | -- |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Giant Coot
Extinct
White Swamphen
About These Birds
Giant Coot
Giant Coot (Fulica gigantea) is a 60–65 cm massive coot of Andean high-altitude lakes in Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina. All-black plumage with red and yellow frontal shield. Largely flightless; relies on water for escape. Builds enormous floating nests. Feeds mainly on aquatic vegetation.
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.