PURPLE SWAMPHEN

The Purple Swamphen is a large and striking bird with a length ranging from 45 to 50 cm.

It has a vivid plumage, characterized by rich blue-purple feathers on its head, neck, and breast. The wings are also a mix of blue and green, with iridescent colors. The body is mostly blue or purple, and the undertail coverts are white. It has a distinctive red bill with a yellow tip and long, red or orange-red legs and feet.

The Purple Swamphen is commonly found in wetland habitats, including swamps, marshes, and reedbeds. It is a versatile bird and can adapt to various aquatic environments, including lakes, ponds, slow-flowing rivers, and rice paddies. While it prefers areas with dense vegetation for cover and nesting, it is also known to venture into open areas and can be seen foraging on the ground away from water bodies.

As a ground-dwelling bird, the Purple Swamphen spends a significant amount of time walking and foraging on the ground. It is an adept swimmer and can also fly, though it usually prefers to walk or run when disturbed.

The diet of the Purple Swamphen includes a wide range of food items, such as aquatic vegetation, insects, small fish, and even eggs and chicks of other waterbirds.

Purple Swamphens are monogamous and form breeding pairs during the breeding season. They build large, bulky nests using reeds and other vegetation, often close to the water’s edge or on floating platforms of vegetation. Both parents participate in incubating the eggs and caring for the chicks after they hatch.

Local threats to its populations can arise from habitat destruction, pollution, disturbances in its wetland habitats and  introduced predators such as dogs, foxes and cats.

The Purple Swamphen is a visually striking and adaptable bird, often attracting attention with its vibrant colors and interesting behavior. It is commonly observed in wetland areas, making it a favorite among birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.