About Porphyrio porphyrio poliocephalus (Latham, 1802)
The western swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio) is a chicken-sized swamphen species that belongs to the rail family Rallidae, and is one of the six recognized purple swamphen species. Its key features include large feet, bright plumage, and a red bill and frontal shield, making it easily recognizable within its native range. It was previously classified as the nominate subspecies of the purple swamphen, but is now accepted as a distinct full species. This subspecies Porphyrio porphyrio poliocephalus occurs in wetland habitats across Spain, which hosts its largest population, as well as Portugal, southeastern France, Italy (Sardinia and Sicily), and northwestern Africa (Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia). The western swamphen favors wet habitats with high rainfall, including swamps, lake edges, and damp pastures. These birds typically live in pairs or larger communal groups. They clamber through reeds to feed, primarily consuming tender shoots and plant matter. They have also been recorded eating eggs, ducklings, small fish, and invertebrates such as snails. There are documented reports of them attacking large eels, but ornithologists have not reached a consensus on whether western swamphens actually eat eels. Unlike many birds, they often hold food with one foot to bring it to their mouth, rather than feeding directly on the ground. In areas where they are not hunted or disturbed, western swamphens can become quite tame and are commonly seen even in towns and cities.
