White Swamphen vs Black Crake

Porphyrio albus compared with Zapornia flavirostra

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute White Swamphen Black Crake
Scientific Name Porphyrio albus Zapornia flavirostra
Order Gruiformes Gruiformes
Family Rallidae Rallidae
Conservation Status Extinct Least Concern
Length — —
Wingspan — 19.8 cm (7.8 in)
Weight — 92.5 g (3.26 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size -- 2-6
Population Trend — —

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

White Swamphen only

None

Black Crake only

Conservation Status

Extinct

White Swamphen

Least Concern

Black Crake

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.

Black Crake

Black Crake (Zapornia flavirostra) is a small 19–23 cm, distinctive crake of sub-Saharan Africa. All-black plumage with bright yellow bill and red legs and eye. Inhabits densely vegetated freshwater marshes, lakeshores, and reed beds across Africa south of the Sahara. Active and relatively visible compared with other crakes; often forages in open.

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