African Swamphen vs Black Crake
Porphyrio madagascariensis compared with Zapornia flavirostra
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | African Swamphen | Black Crake |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Porphyrio madagascariensis | Zapornia flavirostra |
| Order | Gruiformes | Gruiformes |
| Family | Rallidae | Rallidae |
| Conservation Status | Not Evaluated | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | — | 19.8 cm (7.8 in) |
| Weight | 608.0 g (21.45 oz) | 92.5 g (3.26 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 2-6 | 2-6 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Not Evaluated
African Swamphen
Least Concern
Black Crake
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.
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.