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Purple Swamphen
Porphyrio porphyrio (likely subspecies 'gray headed taxon')
26.5463, -80.0573
Field Notes
Description:
A large rail type water bird that is about 18 - 24 inches in height. Similar to the American purple gallinule "Porphyrio martinicus" but larger and less colorful. Gray to white head with a red crown from the beak to top of head. Pink legs and feet.
Habitat:
Swampy everglades environment. This species is reclusive mostly in the brush and out of view. It seems to dwell more on the ground where the American purple gallinule often is in the top of shrubs and water plants.
Notes:
This is a bird introduced from Southeast Asia and Thailand that is establishing itself in south Florida. The American Birding Association has just decided to add it to the ABA checklist.
Species ID Suggestions
Spotted for Missions
Photographed
PublishedApril 5, 2014
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