Blue-faced Rail vs African Swamphen

Gymnocrex rosenbergii compared with Porphyrio madagascariensis

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Blue-faced Rail African Swamphen
Scientific Name Gymnocrex rosenbergii Porphyrio madagascariensis
Order Gruiformes Gruiformes
Family Rallidae Rallidae
Conservation Status Vulnerable Not Evaluated
Length — —
Wingspan 37.2 cm (14.6 in) —
Weight 294.0 g (10.37 oz) 608.0 g (21.45 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size -- 2-6
Population Trend — —

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

None

Blue-faced Rail only

African Swamphen only

Conservation Status

Vulnerable

Blue-faced Rail

Not Evaluated

African Swamphen

About These Birds

Blue-faced Rail

Blue-faced Rail (Gymnocrex rosenbergii) is a 28–32 cm rail endemic to Sulawesi and nearby Indonesian islands. Striking bare blue facial skin; dark brown above; chestnut-rufous below. Inhabits lowland and hill forest near streams, marshy forest clearings, and forest interior. Rarely encountered; forages on the forest floor.

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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