African Swamphen vs Austral Rail

Porphyrio madagascariensis compared with Rallus antarcticus

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute African Swamphen Austral Rail
Scientific Name Porphyrio madagascariensis Rallus antarcticus
Order Gruiformes Gruiformes
Family Rallidae Rallidae
Conservation Status Not Evaluated Vulnerable
Length — —
Wingspan — 18.3 cm (7.2 in)
Weight 608.0 g (21.45 oz) 60.4 g (2.13 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 2-6 8
Population Trend — —

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

African Swamphen only

None

Austral Rail only

None

Conservation Status

Not Evaluated

African Swamphen

Vulnerable

Austral Rail

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.

Austral Rail

Austral Rail (Rallus antarcticus), 19 cm. Brown with dark streaks above; grey breast and barred flanks. Found in dense reed-marsh of southern Chile and adjacent Argentina south to Tierra del Fuego. Omnivore. Endangered; drainage of southern marshes and livestock impacts.

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