Weka vs White Swamphen
Gallirallus australis compared with Porphyrio albus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Weka | White Swamphen |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Gallirallus australis | Porphyrio albus |
| Order | Gruiformes | Gruiformes |
| Family | Rallidae | Rallidae |
| Conservation Status | Vulnerable | Extinct |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 33.4 cm (13.1 in) | — |
| Weight | 880.5 g (31.06 oz) | — |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 2-4 | -- |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Vulnerable
Weka
Extinct
White Swamphen
About These Birds
Weka
Weka (Gallirallus australis), 53 cm. Large flightless rail; brown with dark streaks; strong bill and legs. Endemic to New Zealand. Inhabits a wide range of habitats including forest, scrub and pasture. Omnivore: invertebrates, lizards, berries and carrion. Near Threatened; locally vulnerable to predators.
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.