White Swamphen vs King Rail
Porphyrio albus compared with Rallus elegans
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | White Swamphen | King Rail |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Porphyrio albus | Rallus elegans |
| Order | Gruiformes | Gruiformes |
| Family | Rallidae | Rallidae |
| Conservation Status | Extinct | Near Threatened |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | — | 31.7 cm (12.5 in) |
| Weight | — | 333.5 g (11.76 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | -- | 3-15 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Extinct
White Swamphen
Near Threatened
King Rail
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.
King Rail
King Rail (Rallus elegans), 43 cm. Largest Nearctic rail; brown above with a rufous breast and barred flanks; long orange-red bill. Inhabits freshwater and brackish marshes in eastern North America. Omnivore: crayfish, frogs and insects. Near Threatened; declining with wetland loss.