Common Gallinule vs African Swamphen
Gallinula galeata compared with Porphyrio madagascariensis
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Common Gallinule | African Swamphen |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Gallinula galeata | Porphyrio madagascariensis |
| Order | Gruiformes | Gruiformes |
| Family | Rallidae | Rallidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 35.2 cm (13.9 in) | — |
| Weight | 374.8333333333333 g (13.22 oz) | 608.0 g (21.45 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 5-9 | 2-6 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Common Gallinule
Not Evaluated
African Swamphen
About These Birds
Common Gallinule
Common Gallinule (Gallinula galeata) is a 32–38 cm rail of the Americas, from Canada to Argentina. Dark grey-black with brown back, bold red frontal shield, yellow-tipped red bill, and white flank stripe. Inhabits freshwater marshes, ponds, and slow rivers. Swims and walks with bobbing head motion. Feeds on aquatic plants and invertebrates.
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.