Australasian Swamphen

The Australasian swamphen, Porphyrio melanotus, is a vibrant and robust bird, a member of the rail family. It is characterized by its striking appearance, with a small frontal shield, black upperparts, and a vivid purple throat and breast. This species was once considered a subspecies of the purple swamphen but has since been recognized as distinct.

Identification Tips

To identify the Australasian swamphen, look for its black upperparts contrasted with a purple throat and breast. The bird's frontal shield is relatively small, and its overall size can vary slightly depending on the region, with some island populations being slightly larger.

Habitat

The Australasian swamphen is typically found in wetland environments, where it can be seen walking with a distinctive gait along the water's edge or through reeds and rushes.

Distribution

This species is widespread across eastern Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Australia, and New Zealand. It has also established itself on several islands, including the Chatham and Kermadec Islands.

Behaviour

Australasian swamphens are known for their social structure, living in groups that can number up to a dozen individuals. They exhibit a strong defense mechanism, grouping together and emitting loud shrieks to fend off predators. These birds prefer walking to flying and are known for their clumsy take-offs and landings.

Breeding

In New Zealand, the Australasian swamphen, or pūkeko, engages in joint-nesting behavior, with multiple females laying eggs in a single nest. The breeding season peaks in spring, with most eggs laid between August and February.

Subspecies

The Australasian swamphen has several subspecies that vary slightly in size and coloration. For example, P. p. bellus from Western Australia has a cerulean blue throat and breast, while P. p. samoensis from New Guinea to New Caledonia and Samoa is smaller with a brown tinge on the back.

Diet and Feeding

The Australasian swamphen is known to forage beside motorways or roadside ditches, often seen collecting grit, with a preference for red-colored grit.

Conservation status

The IUCN lists the Australasian swamphen as Least Concern. However, certain subspecies, such as the one endemic to Palau, have been considered endangered. In New Zealand and Australia, populations have expanded due to the creation of new artificial lakes and ponds.