African Swamphen vs Black-banded Crake

Porphyrio madagascariensis compared with Porzana fasciata

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute African Swamphen Black-banded Crake
Scientific Name Porphyrio madagascariensis Porzana fasciata
Order Gruiformes Gruiformes
Family Rallidae Rallidae
Conservation Status Not Evaluated Least Concern
Length
Wingspan 18.4 cm (7.2 in)
Weight 608.0 g (21.45 oz) 69.0 g (2.43 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 2-6 --
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

African Swamphen only

None

Black-banded Crake only

None

Conservation Status

Not Evaluated

African Swamphen

Least Concern

Black-banded 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-banded Crake

Black-banded Crake (Porzana fasciata) is a small 16–18 cm crake of lowland Amazonia and the Guianas. Dark brown above; heavily barred black and white below; reddish bill and legs. Inhabits dense marsh vegetation, flooded forest edges, and wet grassland in northern South America. Secretive; detected by sharp calls. Feeds on invertebrates and seeds.

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