Rufous-sided Crake vs African Swamphen

Laterallus melanophaius compared with Porphyrio madagascariensis

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Rufous-sided Crake African Swamphen
Scientific Name Laterallus melanophaius Porphyrio madagascariensis
Order Gruiformes Gruiformes
Family Rallidae Rallidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Not Evaluated
Length — —
Wingspan 16.6 cm (6.5 in) —
Weight 54.1 g (1.91 oz) 608.0 g (21.45 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 2-5 2-6
Population Trend — —

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Rufous-sided Crake only

African Swamphen only

None

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Rufous-sided Crake

Not Evaluated

African Swamphen

About These Birds

Rufous-sided Crake

Rufous-sided Crake (Laterallus melanophaius) is a small 15–17 cm crake of South American grasslands and marshes, from Colombia south to Argentina. Olive-brown above; grey breast; bold chestnut-rufous flanks. Inhabits wet grasslands, rice paddies, and flooded savannas. Secretive; walks through dense grass. Common across much of its range.

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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