African Swamphen vs Purple Gallinule

Porphyrio madagascariensis compared with Porphyrio martinicus

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute African Swamphen Purple Gallinule
Scientific Name Porphyrio madagascariensis Porphyrio martinicus
Order Gruiformes Gruiformes
Family Rallidae Rallidae
Conservation Status Not Evaluated Least Concern
Length
Wingspan 34.9 cm (13.7 in)
Weight 608.0 g (21.45 oz) 239.5666666666667 g (8.45 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 2-6 3-8
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

African Swamphen only

None

Purple Gallinule only

None

Conservation Status

Not Evaluated

African Swamphen

Least Concern

Purple Gallinule

About These Birds

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.

Purple Gallinule

Purple Gallinule (Porphyrio martinicus) is a dazzling 26–37 cm rail of the Americas. Brilliant purple-blue plumage with green back, red and yellow bill, blue frontal shield, and yellow legs. Inhabits freshwater marshes with floating vegetation from the southern USA to Argentina. A strong wanderer; recorded across the Atlantic.

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