Gray-headed Swamphen

Porphyrio poliocephalus

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About the Gray-headed Swamphen

The grey-headed swamphen (Porphyrio poliocephalus) is a species of swamphen occurring from the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent to southern China and northern Thailand. It used to be considered a subspecies of the purple swamphen, but was elevated to full species status in 2015; today the purple swamphen is considered a superspecies and each of its six subspecies groups are designated full species. It is a large greyish-blue to greyish-purple wetland bird 43 cm long with a pale grey head, and a stout red bill. The wings are greenish, and the legs red. It occurs in marshes and jheels. The male has an elaborate courtship display, holding water weeds in his bill and bowing to the female with loud chuckles.

Source: Wikipedia

Classification

Scientific name: Porphyrio poliocephalus
Family: Rails, Gallinules, and Coots
Order: Gruiformes

Similar species

Other members of the rails, gallinules, and coots family recorded in North America — a useful place to start if you are not certain of your identification.

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