Purple Gallinule
NamePurple Gallinule
Common NamePurple Gallinule
Scientific NamePorphyrio martinica
FamilyRallidae
Wingspan (cm)52.5
Length (cm)32
Weight (g)220
Plumage DetailsFeatures brilliant iridescent purple on the head, neck, and underparts, transitioning to a metallic greenish-blue on the back and wings. It has a bright red bill with a yellow tip, a pale blue frontal shield, and conspicuous white undertail coverts.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a variety of clucking, cackling, and grunting calls, often described as chicken-like or a series of harsh 'kek-kek-kek' notes.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsfreshwater marshes, swamps, ponds, wetlands with dense vegetation
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the southeastern United States, Central America, the Caribbean, and tropical South America. Northern populations are migratory, moving south for winter.
Identifying FeaturesIridescent purple and blue plumage, Red bill with yellow tip, Pale blue frontal shield, Long yellow legs with very long toes, White undertail coverts
Description
The Purple Gallinule is a vibrantly colored marsh bird known for its iridescent plumage and long yellow legs. It typically walks across floating vegetation, foraging for food, and is often seen in flight with its legs dangling.
