Spot-flanked Gallinule

The Spot-flanked Gallinule (Porphyriops melanops) is a small, waterfowl-like bird, weighing between 154 and 225 grams and averaging 28 cm in length. Its plumage is a mix of slate gray on the head, chin, neck, and breast, with a contrasting black forehead and crown. The wings are a cocoa brown, and the flanks are brown with white mottling. The rump mirrors this coloration. Juveniles are initially black, later developing brown feathers and the species' distinctive markings. The beak is pale green in adults, transitioning from a black and pink hue in juveniles. Legs are a muted green-gray, and the iris evolves from black in youth to a striking red in adulthood.

Identification Tips

Look for the Spot-flanked Gallinule's slate gray neck and breast, black crown, and cocoa brown wings. The flanks are brown with white spots, and the beak is pale green in adults. The legs are often hidden as the bird spends much time in the water. The iris is a vibrant red in mature individuals.

Habitat

This species thrives in swamps and freshwater lakes and can adapt to artificial ponds if managed correctly. It is often found in areas with emergent vegetation or grassy parks.

Distribution

The Spot-flanked Gallinule is distributed across South America, with significant populations in Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay. The subspecies P. m. bogotensis is isolated in Colombia.

Behaviour

The Spot-flanked Gallinule is a solitary bird, with typically one breeding pair per water body. It is adept at swimming and diving, with chicks capable of these actions within hours of hatching.

Song & Calls

The gallinule's vocal repertoire includes a high-pitched ke-ke-ke-ke cackle and a lower-pitched whooping. It also makes a quick clicking sound. These calls vary by region.

Breeding

Both sexes contribute to nest building and care, constructing nests from branches, leaves, and occasionally feathers, near or above water, concealed by dense vegetation. They lay 3-6 cream-colored, brown-mottled eggs, which are incubated for 18-20 days. Parents share incubation duties and care for the chicks for about 50 days post-hatching.

Diet and Feeding

Omnivorous, the Spot-flanked Gallinule feeds on plants like Polygonum acuminatum and horsetail paspalum, as well as animals such as snails and insects. It forages among aquatic vegetation and shows a preference for Leptospermum laevigatum and sesame seeds when available.

Conservation status

The IUCN lists the Spot-flanked Gallinule as Least Concern, though its population has seen a significant decline in recent decades.