Purple Swamphen
Porphyrio porphyrio
Visual Identification
Appearance
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.
Size
Length
45cm to 50cm
Wingspan
90cm to 100cm
Weight
700g to 1000g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Blue Purple
Secondary Colour
Black White
Beak Colour
Red
Leg Colour
Red
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
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.
Elevation Range
Up to 2,500 meters
Climate zones
Tropical, Subtropical, Temperate
Distribution Map
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:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Purple Swamphen demonstrates considerable agility, being an excellent swimmer and climber. Its ability to navigate through dense vegetation and grasp food with its feet showcases impressive dexterity. However, its laboured flight suggests some limitations in aerial agility.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
With a robust build and strong legs, the Purple Swamphen exhibits good strength for its size. Its ability to strip seeds from plants and dig for tubers indicates powerful muscles in its bill and neck. The bird's capacity to swim underwater further supports its strength rating.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
The Purple Swamphen's adaptability is noteworthy. It thrives in various wetland habitats across multiple continents and climate zones. Its omnivorous diet and ability to forage both in water and on land demonstrate high adaptability to different environmental conditions.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
While not overtly aggressive, Purple Swamphens display territorial behaviour during breeding seasons. Their preference for running rather than confrontation when alarmed suggests a moderate level of aggression. The species' occasional classification as an agricultural pest implies some assertiveness in foraging habits.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
The Purple Swamphen's endurance is evidenced by its ability to engage in prolonged foraging activities and its wide distribution across varied habitats. While capable of short flights, its preference for running and swimming suggests good terrestrial and aquatic stamina. The bird's size and stable population trend also indicate decent endurance.
Diet
Purple Swamphens have an omnivorous diet, primarily consuming plant matter such as reeds, grass, and crops. They also eat small animals, including molluscs, insects, rodents, and fish. Young birds and eggs may be eaten if the opportunity arises, as well as carrion.
Their strong bill allows them to strip seeds from plants and dig for tubers and roots.
Behaviour
Purple Swamphens are highly social, often seen in small groups foraging together. They are excellent swimmers and climbers, using their long toes to grasp vegetation while feeding.
When alarmed, they prefer to run rather than fly, though they are capable of short, laboured flights with dangling legs.
Vocalisation
Purple Swamphens are vocal birds with a range of distinctive calls. Their repertoire includes loud, harsh screams, often described as a 'kiew-kiew-kiew' sound. They also produce softer contact calls when foraging and alarm calls that sound like sharp, metallic 'pink' notes.
Nesting & Breeding
Purple Swamphens typically breed during the rainy season when food is abundant. They form monogamous pairs, though cooperative breeding is common in some populations.
Nests are constructed in dense vegetation near water, using reeds and grasses. The female lays 3-6 pale brown eggs with darker spots. Both parents and sometimes helpers contribute to nest building and incubation.
Incubation lasts about 23-27 days, and chicks are precocial and able to leave the nest within a few days of hatching. Parents continue to care for the young for several weeks after fledging.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While the Purple Swamphen is listed as Least Concern globally, local populations face threats from habitat loss and degradation.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting and restoring wetland habitats. In some areas, they are considered agricultural pests, requiring balanced management approaches.
Population Data
Global Population Estimate
780,000 - 2,910,000 individuals [2]
Global Population Trend
Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Purple Swamphens in wetlands with dense vegetation
- Listen for their loud, distinctive calls, especially at dawn and dusk
- Observe their unique foraging behaviour as they climb through reeds
- In Australia and New Zealand, check grassy areas near water bodies
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Main predators include large birds of prey, snakes, and introduced mammals such as foxes and cats. In some areas, humans also hunt Purple Swamphens.
Did You Know?
- Purple Swamphens can use their feet to grasp food and bring it to their beak, a rare trait among birds.
- In New Zealand, the Pūkeko is considered a taonga (treasure) in Māori culture.
- They are capable of swimming underwater to escape danger.
- In the UK, the first verified sighting of a Purple Swamphen was recorded at Minsmere in Suffolk in 2016, and the individual bird was then moved to Lincolnshire, where it remained until early the following year. Reported sightings are highly unusual.
References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2019. Porphyrio porphyrio (amended version of 2016 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T22692792A155531172.
View source - 2
report, 2015: Wetlands International
- 3
website: ABBBS - Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme
View source