Porphyrio porphyrio

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Family

Rallidae

Genus

Porphyrio

Species

porphyrio

Common Names

Purple Swamphen, Eastern Swamphen, Pukeko, Blue Bald Coot, Blue-breasted Swamphen, Purple Gallinule, Red-bill

Distinguishing Features

This big, stocky bird of 45-59cm is made obvious by its massive, bright red bill and head shield. It has large, strong legs and feet are pale red and its eye is red also. Its head, neck, breast and underparts are a bold, steely blue-purple colour.  Its wings and tail are grey-black, while its undertail is white. Both sexes look the same and keep their bright colour all year round, especially brilliant in full sunlight.

Survey Techniques

Call and visual identification.

Species Call

Many wild screeches, including a harsh 'kak, kak' or a grating 'qua-rak'.

Similar Species

The Dusky Moorhen (Callinula tenebrosa) is smaller and paler, however it has a very similar shape and red bill and headplate.

 

Distribution

This species is found commonly across the eastern states of Australia, and less commonly in the northern parts of Queensland and Northern Territory, and around Perth in Western Australia. They have moved from Australia to New Zealand, New Guinea and into the southwest Pacific. They are also widespread across southern Europe, Africa and Asia.

Country of Origin

Australia

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - Regional

This species is common around water bodies.

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - National

Secure, not listed under the EPBC Act 1999.

LSCCES Population

Many birds were sighted at National Museum of Australia sites and at the Black Mountain Peninsula, with some on the lakeside areas of ANU and in Civic West.

Associated vegetation community

This bird is common in the reeds and grasses surrounding water bodies, within wetlands, swamps, lakes or estuaries.

Limiting Resources

This species depends upon thick vegetation around water bodies, especially water reeds.

Breeding

The breeding season is variable, however it mostly takes place from July to December. Both parents share all nest building, incubation and feeding activities. Their large nest is loosely built in a clump of reeds of dried reeds and lined with soft grass. The 3-8 eggs are large and fawn-coloured with red-brown and yellow spots. Incubation takes 23-29 days and is shared by parents and the young birds of previous breeding seasons.

Behaviour

While very shy in its natural habitat, the Purple Swamphen of the Canberra region is very happy to come out of the reeds and walk freely around humans. They can also be seen hanging around rubbish bins in picnic areas. The birds can be fairly aggressive towards other smaller waterbirds and defends a breeding territory. It has the strength to pull out whole reeds, biting off the stem with its powerful bill and holding it in its feet. When walking or swimming, it flicks its tail.

Functional Group

Omnivore

Food Species

Feeds mostly on the tender parts of reed stems, or young grass shoots. It will also eat snails, frogs and small fish, and it is well known for stealing the eggs of other birds nesting close to the water and even eating young ducklings.

Predators

The large size and protective nature of these birds makes them less likely to be attacked by common predators, however the Purple Swamphen predates other bird species and are especially known to eat ducklings.

Interesting Fact

Moorhens build a variety of platforms in thick reeds just above the water, using them for nests, for feeding or for a resting spot for young birds.