Western Swamphen

Porphyrio porphyrio

Very rare vagrants from Southern Europe to Britain & was recorded for the first time at Minsmere RSPB in Suffolk during August 2016.

 Breeds in South Western Europe.

Also known as Purple Gallinules.

Adults have large feet, bright plumage and red bill and frontal shield is easily recognisable in its native range.

Juveniles are darker than Adults.

The call is a loud, quick, bleating and hooting calls which are hardly bird-like in tone.

Despite being clumsy in flight it can fly long distances, and is a good swimmer, especially for a bird without webbed feet.