Gray-headed Swamphen
Porphyrio poliocephalus
A very large bluish-purple waterbird with a red bill and forehead shield, as well as red legs and feet with long toes. The tail is flicked up often, revealing fluffy white “underpants.” Juveniles are duller than adults and lack the red bill and shield. An inhabitant of marshy, vegetated freshwater bodies such as swamps, rivers, and lakes; usually in small groups. Feeds, often clumsily, at muddy water edges, in reeds, and on floating vegetation. Makes short nasal grunts and croaking sounds. Formerly part of the species known as Purple Swamphen.
Taxonomy
The grey-headed swamphen is one of 15 species in the genus Porphyrio. It was classified as a subspecies of P. porphyrio until 2015, when the purple swamphen species complex was split into 6 species.
- Scientific name
- Porphyrio poliocephalus
- Authority
- (Latham, 1801)
- Order
- Gruiformes
- Family
- Rallidae
- Genus
- Porphyrio
Photos
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Socorro Wren
Troglodytes sissonii
Only found on Socorro Island, where it is the only wren. Occurs in woodland, brushy thickets, and scrubby vegetation, often in pairs or family groups. Forages at all levels, sometimes out on open ground and among intertidal rocks; often holds its fairly long tail cocked up. Overall sandy brown to grayish brown, paler below, with a paler eyebrow, dark barring on wings and tail. Overall buffier and slightly longer-billed than House Wren, which might occur as rare migrant on Socorro.
Short-billed Canastero
Asthenes baeri
Medium-sized, rather nondescript bird, plain dull brown with a tail that is usually held cocked. Note the orange throat patch. Inhabits arid areas with scrub and woodlands, where it forages both in trees and on the ground. The song is a high nasal trill. The similar Sharp-billed Canastero has a longer bill and tail and an indistinct eyebrow.
Whistling Kite
Haliastur sphenurus
Large sandy-colored raptor. In flight it has a strong underwing pattern, and holds its wings in a bent M-shape. Tail is relatively long and slightly rounded. Calls loudly with a distinctive repeated whistle. Common along coasts and waterways where it scavenges for fish.
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