Common Moorhen vs African Swamphen
Gallinula chloropus compared with Porphyrio madagascariensis
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Common Moorhen | African Swamphen |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Gallinula chloropus | Porphyrio madagascariensis |
| Order | Gruiformes | Gruiformes |
| Family | Rallidae | Rallidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 33.1 cm (13.0 in) | — |
| Weight | 297.5 g (10.49 oz) | 608.0 g (21.45 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 2-14 | 2-6 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Common Moorhen
Not Evaluated
African 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.
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.