African Swamphen vs Black-tailed Native-hen

Porphyrio madagascariensis compared with Tribonyx ventralis

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute African Swamphen Black-tailed Native-hen
Scientific Name Porphyrio madagascariensis Tribonyx ventralis
Order Gruiformes Gruiformes
Family Rallidae Rallidae
Conservation Status Not Evaluated Least Concern
Length — —
Wingspan — 41.1 cm (16.2 in)
Weight 608.0 g (21.45 oz) 376.75 g (13.29 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 2-6 5-7
Population Trend — —

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

African Swamphen only

None

Black-tailed Native-hen only

Conservation Status

Not Evaluated

African Swamphen

Least Concern

Black-tailed Native-hen

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-tailed Native-hen

Black-tailed Native-hen (Tribonyx ventralis) is a 30–38 cm flightless rail of inland Australia. Olive-brown with white flank spots, red eye, and upright black tail. Nomadic, following rainfall; forms large flocks at temporary wetlands. Grazes on grass and aquatic plants. Occasionally erupts in huge numbers after flooding. Not threatened.

More Birds to Explore