White Swamphen vs Allen's Gallinule

Porphyrio albus compared with Porphyrio alleni

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute White Swamphen Allen's Gallinule
Scientific Name Porphyrio albus Porphyrio alleni
Order Gruiformes Gruiformes
Family Rallidae Rallidae
Conservation Status Extinct Least Concern
Length — —
Wingspan — 30.5 cm (12.0 in)
Weight — 141.8 g (5.00 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size -- 3-8
Population Trend — —

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

White Swamphen only

Allen's Gallinule only

Conservation Status

Extinct

White Swamphen

Least Concern

Allen's Gallinule

About These Birds

White Swamphen

White Swamphen (Porphyrio albus) is an extinct all-white swamphen formerly endemic to Lord Howe Island, Australia. Known from specimens collected around 1790 and early drawings; had reduced wings indicating flightlessness or near-flightlessness. Extirpated by hunting after European discovery. Related to Australasian Swamphen.

Allen's Gallinule

Allen's Gallinule (Porphyrio alleni) is a small 23–26 cm, colorful gallinule of sub-Saharan Africa. Deep blue-purple plumage with olive-green back, red bill and frontal shield, and red legs. Inhabits dense freshwater marshes, floating vegetation, and papyrus swamps. Partially migratory; disperses widely after rains.

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