White Swamphen vs Black-backed Swamphen
Porphyrio albus compared with Porphyrio indicus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | White Swamphen | Black-backed Swamphen |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Porphyrio albus | Porphyrio indicus |
| Order | Gruiformes | Gruiformes |
| Family | Rallidae | Rallidae |
| Conservation Status | Extinct | Not Evaluated |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | — | — |
| Weight | — | 604.45 g (21.32 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | -- | -- |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Extinct
White Swamphen
Not Evaluated
Black-backed Swamphen
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.
Black-backed Swamphen
Black-backed Swamphen (Porphyrio indicus) is a 42–50 cm large swamphen of the Indonesian archipelago, including Sulawesi, the Moluccas, and New Guinea. Deep purple-blue with conspicuous jet-black back and mantle, distinguishing it from related swamphens. Massive red bill and frontal shield. Inhabits freshwater swamps and rice paddies.