Black-backed Swamphen vs African Swamphen
Porphyrio indicus compared with Porphyrio madagascariensis
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Black-backed Swamphen | African Swamphen |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Porphyrio indicus | Porphyrio madagascariensis |
| Order | Gruiformes | Gruiformes |
| Family | Rallidae | Rallidae |
| Conservation Status | Not Evaluated | Not Evaluated |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | — | — |
| Weight | 604.45 g (21.32 oz) | 608.0 g (21.45 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | -- | 2-6 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Not Evaluated
Black-backed Swamphen
Not Evaluated
African Swamphen
About These Birds
Black-backed Swamphen
Black-backed Swamphen (Porphyrio indicus) is a 42–50 cm large swamphen of the Indonesian archipelago, including Sulawesi, the Moluccas, and New Guinea. Deep purple-blue with conspicuous jet-black back and mantle, distinguishing it from related swamphens. Massive red bill and frontal shield. Inhabits freshwater swamps and rice paddies.
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.