Common Moorhen vs White Swamphen
Gallinula chloropus compared with Porphyrio albus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Common Moorhen | White Swamphen |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Gallinula chloropus | Porphyrio albus |
| Order | Gruiformes | Gruiformes |
| Family | Rallidae | Rallidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Extinct |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 33.1 cm (13.0 in) | — |
| Weight | 297.5 g (10.49 oz) | — |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 2-14 | -- |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Common Moorhen
Extinct
White Swamphen
About These Birds
Common Moorhen
Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) is a 30–38 cm, widespread rail found across Eurasia, Africa, and South Asia. Dark slaty-grey with brown back, red frontal shield, yellow-tipped red bill, and white flank stripe. Inhabits virtually all freshwater wetlands including urban park ponds. Swims with characteristic head-bob.
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.