Weka vs African Swamphen

Gallirallus australis compared with Porphyrio madagascariensis

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Weka African Swamphen
Scientific Name Gallirallus australis Porphyrio madagascariensis
Order Gruiformes Gruiformes
Family Rallidae Rallidae
Conservation Status Vulnerable Not Evaluated
Length
Wingspan 33.4 cm (13.1 in)
Weight 880.5 g (31.06 oz) 608.0 g (21.45 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 2-4 2-6
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Weka only

African Swamphen only

None

Conservation Status

Vulnerable

Weka

Not Evaluated

African 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.

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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