African Swamphen vs Plain-flanked Rail
Porphyrio madagascariensis compared with Rallus wetmorei
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | African Swamphen | Plain-flanked Rail |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Porphyrio madagascariensis | Rallus wetmorei |
| Order | Gruiformes | Gruiformes |
| Family | Rallidae | Rallidae |
| Conservation Status | Not Evaluated | Endangered |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | — | 25.0 cm (9.8 in) |
| Weight | 608.0 g (21.45 oz) | 217.5 g (7.67 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 2-6 | 4-7 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Not Evaluated
African Swamphen
Endangered
Plain-flanked 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.
Plain-flanked Rail
Plain-flanked Rail (Rallus wetmorei), 35 cm. Brown with unbarred buff-grey flanks; long curved bill. Restricted to mangroves of the Caribbean coast of Venezuela. Omnivore. Endangered; tiny range with severe mangrove loss due to coastal development.