African Swamphen vs Clapper Rail

Porphyrio madagascariensis compared with Rallus crepitans

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute African Swamphen Clapper Rail
Scientific Name Porphyrio madagascariensis Rallus crepitans
Order Gruiformes Gruiformes
Family Rallidae Rallidae
Conservation Status Not Evaluated Least Concern
Length — —
Wingspan — 29.6 cm (11.7 in)
Weight 608.0 g (21.45 oz) 309.25 g (10.91 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 2-6 2-16
Population Trend — —

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

African Swamphen only

None

Clapper Rail only

Conservation Status

Not Evaluated

African Swamphen

Least Concern

Clapper 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.

Clapper Rail

Clapper Rail (Rallus crepitans), 38 cm. Sandy-brown above; buff breast; barred flanks; long decurved bill. Found in saltmarshes along the US Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Omnivore. Least Concern; common in tidal marshes but locally threatened by habitat loss.

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