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Australasian Swamphen
Porphyrio melanotus
Least Concern3 photos· First seen Feb 2026
- Habitat
- Freshwater wetlands, marshes, reed beds, and urban park lakes with thick vegetation.
- Diet
- Omnivorous; primarily feeds on the shoots and seeds of aquatic plants, but also eats invertebrates, frogs, and eggs.
- Classification
- Gruiformes · Rallidae
Fun Facts
- Recognizable by its vibrant purple-blue plumage, heavy red bill, and red frontal shield.
- Flicks its white undertail feathers frequently while walking or swimming.
- Has exceptionally long toes that allow it to walk on floating vegetation without sinking.
- Often lives in social groups and may practice communal breeding where several females share a nest.
Sighting Locations
3 photos at 2 locations