Allen's Gallinule vs African Swamphen
Porphyrio alleni compared with Porphyrio madagascariensis
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Allen's Gallinule | African Swamphen |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Porphyrio alleni | Porphyrio madagascariensis |
| Order | Gruiformes | Gruiformes |
| Family | Rallidae | Rallidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 30.5 cm (12.0 in) | — |
| Weight | 141.8 g (5.00 oz) | 608.0 g (21.45 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 3-8 | 2-6 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Allen's Gallinule
Not Evaluated
African Swamphen
About These Birds
Allen's Gallinule
Allen's Gallinule (Porphyrio alleni) is a small 23–26 cm, colorful gallinule of sub-Saharan Africa. Deep blue-purple plumage with olive-green back, red bill and frontal shield, and red legs. Inhabits dense freshwater marshes, floating vegetation, and papyrus swamps. Partially migratory; disperses widely after rains.
African Swamphen
African Swamphen (Porphyrio madagascariensis) is a 38–50 cm large gallinule of sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar. Deep blue-purple with greenish back, massive red bill and frontal shield, and red legs. Inhabits papyrus swamps, lake shores, and dense reed beds. Similar to Purple Swamphen but restricted to Africa.