Nkulengu Rail vs African Swamphen

Himantornis haematopus compared with Porphyrio madagascariensis

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Nkulengu Rail African Swamphen
Scientific Name Himantornis haematopus Porphyrio madagascariensis
Order Gruiformes Gruiformes
Family Rallidae Rallidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Not Evaluated
Length — —
Wingspan 41.6 cm (16.4 in) —
Weight 589.75 g (20.80 oz) 608.0 g (21.45 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 3 2-6
Population Trend — —

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Nkulengu Rail only

African Swamphen only

None

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Nkulengu Rail

Not Evaluated

African Swamphen

About These Birds

Nkulengu Rail

Nkulengu Rail (Himantornis haematopus) is a large 30–35 cm, distinctive rail of west and central African rainforests. Brown above; buffy underparts with dark bars; reddish legs and feet. Inhabits dense lowland rainforest floor, often near streams or swampy forest. One of the most forest-adapted African rails; secretive and rarely seen.

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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