White Swamphen vs Eastern Water Rail
Porphyrio albus compared with Rallus indicus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | White Swamphen | Eastern Water Rail |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Porphyrio albus | Rallus indicus |
| Order | Gruiformes | Gruiformes |
| Family | Rallidae | Rallidae |
| Conservation Status | Extinct | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | — | 24.8 cm (9.8 in) |
| Weight | — | 133.0 g (4.69 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | -- | 5-12 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Extinct
White Swamphen
Least Concern
Eastern Water 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.
Eastern Water Rail
Eastern Water Rail (Rallus indicus), 28 cm. Very similar to Western Water Rail; brown above, grey-blue below, barred flanks. Breeds in eastern Asia and winters in South and Southeast Asia. Inhabits freshwater reedbeds and swamp margins. Omnivore. Least Concern.