Purple Gallinule
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Frank_Schulenburg" title="User:Frank Schulenburg">Frank Schulenburg</a> (CC BY-SA 4.0)
NamePurple Gallinule
Common NamePurple Gallinule
Scientific NamePorphyrio martinica
FamilyRallidae
Wingspan (cm)52.5
Length (cm)32.5
Weight (g)220
Plumage DetailsThe head, neck, and underparts are a vibrant iridescent purple, transitioning to a greenish-blue on the back and wings. It has a bright red bill with a yellow tip and a pale blue frontal shield extending onto the forehead. The legs and long toes are bright yellow, and the undertail coverts are white.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a variety of clucking, cackling, and squawking sounds, often described as a 'krr-krr-krr' or 'kek-kek-kek'.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsfreshwater marshes, swamps, wetlands, ponds with dense vegetation
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds in the southeastern United States, Central America, and the Caribbean, with some populations migrating to South America for winter. Resident populations are also found in parts of Central and South America.
Identifying FeaturesIridescent purple-blue body, Red bill with yellow tip, Pale blue frontal shield, Bright yellow legs and large feet, White undertail coverts
Description
This striking marsh bird displays iridescent purple and blue plumage, a red bill with a yellow tip, and a pale blue frontal shield. It is often seen walking on floating vegetation in freshwater wetlands, foraging for a diverse diet.
