White Swamphen vs North Island Takahe

Porphyrio albus compared with Porphyrio mantelli

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute White Swamphen North Island Takahe
Scientific Name Porphyrio albus Porphyrio mantelli
Order Gruiformes Gruiformes
Family Rallidae Rallidae
Conservation Status Extinct Extinct
Length
Wingspan
Weight 2487.5 g (87.74 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size -- 1-3
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

White Swamphen only

North Island Takahe only

Conservation Status

Extinct

White Swamphen

Extinct

North 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.

North Island Takahe

North Island Takahe (Porphyrio mantelli) is an extinct giant flightless swamphen formerly inhabiting New Zealand's North Island. Larger than surviving South Island Takahe; deep blue-green plumage, massive red bill. Extirpated by Māori hunting and deforestation before European contact. Known from subfossil bones across the North Island.

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