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Birds

Birds

Common name Purple swamphen
Scientific name Porphyrio porphyrio
Type Waterbirds
Status Resident

Waterbird similar to a rooster. It is the largest species of the family of the Rallidae, with a length of up to 48 cm or 19 in. Very striking violet blue and purple plumage with metallic reflections. Large deep red bill with a frontal shield. Legs with very long toes, also red. White anal and lower areas.

Habitats

Wetlands

Where it lives

Freshwater or brackish wetlands with abundant reeds and marsh vegetation.

How it lives

Bird resident in the province, which also hosts wintering individuals. However, the reproduction of the Purple Swamphen in Malaga is still sporadic and occasional. It breeds from February. Nest in marsh vegetation platforms. One laying of 3 to 5 eggs. Vegetarian food. Seeds, bulbs, stems and roots of plants. This bird also captures insects and small vertebrates. It makes small trips as a result of droughts or search for better conditions, between nearby wetlands or along the river basin.

Where it can be seen in Malaga

Middle course and mouth of the Guadalhorce River. Vélez River, Fuente de Piedra and Campillos lagoons. Coastal wetlands of Marbella-San Pedro.

Curious facts

Rallidae (family to which the Purple Swamphen belongs) are characterized by having long legs and very long toes with prehensile capacity. This helps them to move among the reeds and even to hold and handle stems of the vegetation with the legs. They are sociable birds that like to live in small groups. They can get used to the presence of man, showing confidence. In Malaga swamphens are known as "gallos azules" ("blue roosters").

Present
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Wintering Summer Resident Migration
Audios