Purple Swamphen

The Purple Swamphen is a large, robust rail with glossy blue-purple to violet plumage covering nearly its entire body. It has a stout red bill, a broad red frontal shield, and long red legs ending in oversized, unwebbed toes. White undertail coverts are frequently flashed as the bird moves through vegetation.

Considerably bigger than the related gallinules, the Purple Swamphen is a conspicuous and often noisy inhabitant of large reedbeds from the Mediterranean and Africa across southern Asia to Australia and New Zealand, where regional populations are sometimes known by local names such as Pukeko.

Key field marks

• Large size, noticeably bigger than any gallinule or moorhen
• Uniformly deep purple-blue body plumage
• Massive red bill and frontal shield
• Long red legs with elongated toes
• White undertail coverts flashed when the tail is flicked

Similar species

The Purple Gallinule is considerably smaller, has green on the back, and shows a pale blue (not red) frontal shield. Moorhens and Common Gallinules are much smaller and dark grey rather than purple.

Habitat

Prefers extensive reedbeds, sedge marshes, and other dense wetland vegetation, generally avoiding open water.

Range and migration

Ranges from the Mediterranean and Africa across the Middle East and southern Asia to Australia and New Zealand, where it is known as the Pukeko. The species is largely sedentary, though some populations disperse locally in response to habitat conditions.

Behavior

Unusually among rails, Purple Swamphens often hold food items in one foot while tearing at them with the bill. They can be noisy and conspicuous, sometimes living in small family groups.

Voice

Loud trumpeting, cackling, and honking calls.

Feeding

Feeds on reed shoots, aquatic plants, and seeds, supplemented with insects and occasionally small vertebrates or eggs.

Nesting and breeding

Builds a substantial platform nest hidden in dense reeds. In some populations, related helpers assist the breeding pair in raising chicks, a form of cooperative breeding.