Wake Island Rail vs African Swamphen
Hypotaenidia wakensis compared with Porphyrio madagascariensis
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Wake Island Rail | African Swamphen |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Hypotaenidia wakensis | Porphyrio madagascariensis |
| Order | Gruiformes | Gruiformes |
| Family | Rallidae | Rallidae |
| Conservation Status | Extinct | Not Evaluated |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | — | — |
| Weight | 106.1 g (3.74 oz) | 608.0 g (21.45 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | -- | 2-6 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Extinct
Wake Island Rail
Not Evaluated
African Swamphen
About These Birds
Wake Island Rail
Wake Island Rail (Hypotaenidia wakensis). Extinct. Flightless; brown with barred underparts; endemic to Wake Island (US territory), central Pacific. Last individuals eaten by stranded Japanese soldiers in 1945 during World War II. Omnivore. Extinction documented by soldiers' own accounts.
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.