Dusky Moorhen vs African Swamphen

Gallinula tenebrosa compared with Porphyrio madagascariensis

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Dusky Moorhen African Swamphen
Scientific Name Gallinula tenebrosa Porphyrio madagascariensis
Order Gruiformes Gruiformes
Family Rallidae Rallidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Not Evaluated
Length — —
Wingspan 39.4 cm (15.5 in) —
Weight 540.0 g (19.05 oz) 608.0 g (21.45 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 5-18 2-6
Population Trend — —

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Dusky Moorhen only

African Swamphen only

None

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Dusky Moorhen

Not Evaluated

African Swamphen

About These Birds

Dusky Moorhen

Dusky Moorhen (Gallinula tenebrosa) is a 35–40 cm moorhen of Australia, New Guinea, and Indonesia's freshwater wetlands. Dark slaty-grey with brown back, red frontal shield, and yellow-tipped red bill. Common on lakes, rivers, and park ponds. Walks along shorelines and swims freely. Feeds on aquatic plants, invertebrates, and seeds.

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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