African Swamphen vs Australasian Swamphen

Porphyrio madagascariensis compared with Porphyrio melanotus

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute African Swamphen Australasian Swamphen
Scientific Name Porphyrio madagascariensis Porphyrio melanotus
Order Gruiformes Gruiformes
Family Rallidae Rallidae
Conservation Status Not Evaluated Not Evaluated
Length — —
Wingspan — —
Weight 608.0 g (21.45 oz) 1006.5 g (35.50 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 2-6 2-6
Population Trend — —

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

African Swamphen only

None

Australasian Swamphen only

None

Conservation Status

Not Evaluated

African Swamphen

Not Evaluated

Australasian Swamphen

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.

Australasian Swamphen

Australasian Swamphen (Porphyrio melanotus) is a 44–50 cm large gallinule of Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific islands. Deep blue-purple with greenish-black back and upper wings; massive red bill and frontal shield. Inhabits freshwater and brackish marshes, lake margins, and grassy areas near water.

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