Western Swamphen

The Western Swamphen, Porphyrio porphyrio, is a striking waterbird of the rail family Rallidae. Known also as the sultana bird, this species is adorned with vibrant plumage, large feet, and a distinctive red bill and frontal shield, making it a conspicuous presence in its natural habitat.

Identification Tips

This chicken-sized bird can be identified by its bright plumage, which is typically purple-blue, and its red bill and frontal shield. The large feet of the Western Swamphen are another characteristic feature, aiding in its navigation through wetland vegetation.

Habitat

The Western Swamphen is found in a variety of wetlands, including swamps, lake edges, and damp pastures. These environments provide the bird with the necessary resources for feeding and breeding.

Distribution

The species is native to parts of the Western Palearctic, with populations in Spain, Portugal, southeastern France, Italy (notably Sardinia and Sicily), and northwestern Africa, including Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia.

Behaviour

Despite its somewhat clumsy flight, the Western Swamphen is capable of flying long distances. It is also an adept swimmer, particularly for a bird without webbed feet. The species is known for its loud, quick calls, which include bleating and hooting sounds that are quite unbird-like in tone. These calls are especially prevalent during the breeding season.

Song & Calls

The Western Swamphen's vocalizations are distinctive and varied, including loud and quick bleating and hooting calls. These sounds are an integral part of the bird's social and breeding behaviors.

Breeding

Breeding typically occurs seasonally, with timing correlating with peak rainfall or summer in temperate regions. The Western Swamphen nests in warm reed beds, constructing large pads of interwoven reeds on floating debris or just above water level. Both sexes incubate the 3–6 speckled eggs for 23–27 days. Chicks are precocious, feathered with downy black plumage, and are able to leave the nest shortly after hatching, though they may remain for a few days before venturing out.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Western Swamphen includes tender shoots and vegetable-like matter found within its wetland habitat. It also consumes eggs, ducklings, small fish, and invertebrates such as snails. There are reports of these birds attacking large eels, though it is not confirmed if eels are a regular part of their diet. They are known to use one foot to bring food to their mouth rather than eating it on the ground.

Conservation Status

The Western Swamphen is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. The species has experienced a recovery in numbers following conservation efforts, including habitat protection and reintroduction schemes. It was once listed as "Rare" by the European Union but has since been reclassified as "Localised". The largest population resides in Spain, where the species has shown significant population growth and range expansion.