Purple Swamphen

Images ©:

Purple Swamphen - Bob Winters | Purple Swamphen - The State of Victoria, Department of Environment and Primary Industries/McCann | Purple Swamphen - The State of Victoria, Department of Environment and Primary Industries/McCann | Purple Swamphen - Bob Winters | Purple Swamphen - Bob Winters

Porphyrio porphyrio

Male and female similar. A large waterhen with a deep blue/black head, purple/blue neck and breast, dark back, robust scarlet bill and forehead shield, red eye, reddish legs and long toes. Flicking of the tail reveals white under tail-coverts. Immatures are duller in colour with a blackish-red bill. Size 44-48 cm.

Details
Type
Bird
Group
Animals
Rail
Biology

Breeds July-December. A bowl shaped nest is constructed on a platform of trampled reeds, water ribbons and cumbungi. All family members including previous young assist with the incubation and care of the young.
Distinctive Markings

Deep blue/black head, purple/blue neck and breast, dark back and wings with a very prominent scarlet bill.
Taxonomy
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Gruiformes
Family
Rallidae
Genus
Porphyrio
Species
porphyrio
Widespread in eastern and coastal north-eastern Australia, also Tasmania. Less common in coastal northern Australia. Extends inland when conditions are suitable.

Source: Atlas of Living Australia

The long toes are used to grasp food while eating.

Interesting Facts
Diet

Omnivore, eating reed and rush shoots which are pulled out of the water, frogs and snails. Will also eat waterbird eggs and ducklings.
Habitat

Well vegetated wetlands, lakes, dams or rivers with grassy margins, trees, scrub or introduced willows.
Native Status
Native to Australia
Audio
Sounds
A large variety of calls including a harsh "kak, kak, kiark, ki-aark".