Allen's Gallinule
NameAllen's Gallinule
Common NameAllen's Gallinule
Scientific NamePorphyrio alleni
FamilyRallidae
Wingspan (cm)47.5
Length (cm)23
Weight (g)142.5
Plumage DetailsAdults display dark purplish-blue plumage on the head, neck, and underparts, contrasting with an olive-green back and wings. The bill is bright red with a yellow tip, topped by a prominent sky-blue frontal shield. Legs are red.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include soft clucking or croaking notes, often given from cover, and a sharp 'kwek' or 'kek' call.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatswetland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across sub-Saharan Africa, inhabiting freshwater marshes, swamps, and reedy lake edges. It is a resident and intra-African migrant.
Identifying Featuressmall size, dark purplish-blue body, olive-green back, bright red bill with yellow tip, sky-blue frontal shield, red legs
Description
The Allen's Gallinule is a small, secretive waterbird found in African wetlands. It has striking dark purplish-blue plumage, an olive-green back, and a distinctive red bill with a blue frontal shield. These birds are often seen foraging among dense aquatic vegetation.
