White Swamphen vs South Island Takahe
Porphyrio albus compared with Porphyrio hochstetteri
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | White Swamphen | South Island Takahe |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Porphyrio albus | Porphyrio hochstetteri |
| Order | Gruiformes | Gruiformes |
| Family | Rallidae | Rallidae |
| Conservation Status | Extinct | Endangered |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | — | 46.5 cm (18.3 in) |
| Weight | — | 2487.5 g (87.74 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | -- | 1-3 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Shared Habitats
White Swamphen only
South Island Takahe only
Conservation Status
Extinct
White Swamphen
Endangered
South Island Takahe
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.
South Island Takahe
South Island Takahe (Porphyrio hochstetteri) is a 50–63 cm flightless swamphen endemic to New Zealand's South Island alpine tussock grasslands. Deep blue-green plumage with green-brown back; massive red bill and frontal shield. Rediscovered in Fiordland in 1948 after presumed extinction.