White Swamphen vs African Swamphen

Porphyrio albus compared with Porphyrio madagascariensis

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute White Swamphen African Swamphen
Scientific Name Porphyrio albus Porphyrio madagascariensis
Order Gruiformes Gruiformes
Family Rallidae Rallidae
Conservation Status Extinct Not Evaluated
Length
Wingspan
Weight 608.0 g (21.45 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size -- 2-6
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

White Swamphen only

African Swamphen only

None

Conservation Status

Extinct

White Swamphen

Not Evaluated

African 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.

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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