African Swamphen vs Little Crake

Porphyrio madagascariensis compared with Zapornia parva

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute African Swamphen Little Crake
Scientific Name Porphyrio madagascariensis Zapornia parva
Order Gruiformes Gruiformes
Family Rallidae Rallidae
Conservation Status Not Evaluated Least Concern
Length
Wingspan 20.2 cm (8.0 in)
Weight 608.0 g (21.45 oz) 50.75 g (1.79 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 2-6 7-9
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

African Swamphen only

None

Little Crake only

Conservation Status

Not Evaluated

African Swamphen

Least Concern

Little 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.

Little Crake

Little Crake (Zapornia parva) is a small 17–20 cm crake of Eurasian freshwater marshes. Olive-brown above; male has blue-grey face and breast; short greenish bill. Breeds from Eastern Europe east to Central Asia; winters in Africa and South Asia. Inhabits dense reed beds and sedge marshes. Highly secretive; detected by purring call. Migratory.

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