White Swamphen vs Australasian Swamphen

Porphyrio albus compared with Porphyrio melanotus

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute White Swamphen Australasian Swamphen
Scientific Name Porphyrio albus Porphyrio melanotus
Order Gruiformes Gruiformes
Family Rallidae Rallidae
Conservation Status Extinct Not Evaluated
Length — —
Wingspan — —
Weight — 1006.5 g (35.50 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size -- 2-6
Population Trend — —

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

White Swamphen only

Australasian Swamphen only

None

Conservation Status

Extinct

White Swamphen

Not Evaluated

Australasian 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.

Australasian Swamphen

Australasian Swamphen (Porphyrio melanotus) is a 44–50 cm large gallinule of Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific islands. Deep blue-purple with greenish-black back and upper wings; massive red bill and frontal shield. Inhabits freshwater and brackish marshes, lake margins, and grassy areas near water.

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