Mascarene Coot vs African Swamphen

Fulica newtonii compared with Porphyrio madagascariensis

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Mascarene Coot African Swamphen
Scientific Name Fulica newtonii 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

Mascarene Coot only

None

African Swamphen only

None

Conservation Status

Extinct

Mascarene Coot

Not Evaluated

African Swamphen

About These Birds

Mascarene Coot

Mascarene Coot (Fulica newtonii) is an extinct giant coot formerly inhabiting Mauritius and Réunion in the Indian Ocean. Larger than Eurasian Coot; likely flightless or near-flightless. Extirpated by hunting and introduced predators in the 17th–18th centuries. Known from subfossil remains and written accounts by early European visitors.

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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