Purple Gallinule
Image: Twain Glas (cc-by-nc)
NamePurple Gallinule
Common NamePurple Gallinule
Scientific NamePorphyrio martinica
FamilyRallidae
Wingspan (cm)50
Length (cm)33
Weight (g)220
Plumage DetailsAdults display brilliant iridescent purple-blue plumage on the head, neck, and underparts, contrasting with a greenish-bronze back and wings. The undertail coverts are pure white. They possess a bright red bill with a yellow tip, topped by a pale blue frontal shield, and have long, bright yellow legs and feet.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a variety of clucks, grunts, and cackles, often described as a 'krr-krr-krr' or 'kek-kek-kek' sound. They can also produce a loud, harsh 'krek' call.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsfreshwater marshes, swamps, ponds, lakes, wetlands with dense emergent 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 the winter.
Identifying Featuresvibrant purple-blue body, green back, red bill with yellow tip, blue frontal shield, long yellow legs and feet, white undertail coverts, often walks on floating vegetation
Description
The Purple Gallinule is a strikingly colorful marsh bird, known for its vibrant iridescent plumage and long yellow legs. It is often seen walking gracefully across floating vegetation in freshwater wetlands, using its large feet to distribute its weight.
