Porphyrio porphyrio
The Purple Swamphen is a large, chicken-like, striking wetland bird with deep blue to purple plumage covering most of its body. It has a robust red bill and frontal shield, complemented by long, strong red legs with elongated toes.
Females are smaller than males and have a smaller facial shield. Otherwise, they're similar. Adults and juveniles share similar colouration, though young birds may appear duller. The white undertail coverts contrast sharply with the bird's dark body, creating a distinctive field mark.
Length
45cm to 50cm
Wingspan
90cm to 100cm
Weight
700g to 1000g
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Blue Purple
Secondary Colour
Black White
Beak Colour
Red
Leg Colour
Red
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Purple Swamphens inhabit a wide range of wetland habitats, including marshes, swamps, and the edges of lakes and rivers. They prefer areas with dense vegetation for cover and foraging.
The species has a vast distribution across parts of Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australasia. They are particularly common in Australia and New Zealand, where they are known as Pūkeko in Māori.
Up to 2,500 meters
Tropical, Subtropical, Temperate
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Purple Swamphen. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
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