Swamphen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Swamphen |
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| Pūkeko, Porphyrio melanotus in New Zealand | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Gruiformes |
| Family: | Rallidae |
| Genus: | Porphyrio Brisson, 1760 |
| Type species | |
| Porphyrio porphyrio Linnaeus, 1758
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| Species | |
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See text |
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| Synonyms | |
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Notornis |
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Porphyrio is a group of colorful birds known as swamphens or swamp hens. These birds are part of the rail family, which also includes other birds like coots and moorhens.
Swamphens are found in warm parts of the world. Scientists believe they first appeared in Africa a very long time ago, during the Middle Miocene period. From there, they spread across the globe over millions of years.
Contents
What are Swamphens?
Swamphens are medium-sized birds that often live near water. They have strong legs and long toes, which help them walk on floating plants and muddy ground. Many species are known for their bright blue or purple feathers.
Naming the Swamphen Genus
The name Porphyrio was first used by a French zoologist named Mathurin Jacques Brisson in 1760. He chose the western swamphen as the main example for this group. The word Porphyrio comes from Latin and means "swamphen" or "purple". This name fits well because many swamphens have beautiful purple or blue colors.
Different Kinds of Swamphens
The Porphyrio group includes several different types of swamphens. Some are still alive today, while others have become extinct.
Swamphens Alive Today
There are ten species of swamphens that are still living. Many of these are part of a group called the "Purple swamphen complex." This means they are very similar to each other.
- Western swamphen, Porphyrio porphyrio
- African swamphen, Porphyrio madagascariensis
- Grey-headed swamphen, Porphyrio poliocephalus
- Black-backed swamphen, Porphyrio indicus
- Philippine swamphen, Porphyrio pulverulentus
- Australasian swamphen, Porphyrio melanotus (like the Pūkeko in New Zealand)
Other living swamphens include:
- South Island takahē, Porphyrio hochstetteri (a large, flightless bird from New Zealand)
- Allen's gallinule, Porphyrio alleni
- American purple gallinule, Porphyrio martinica
- Azure gallinule, Porphyrio flavirostris
Swamphens That Are Extinct
Sadly, some swamphen species have disappeared over time. Some became extinct in recent history, while others died out long ago.
- Lord Howe swamphen, Porphyrio albus (became extinct in the early 1800s)
- Réunion swamphen, Porphyrio coerulescens (from the 1700s, though some details are still being studied)
- Marquesas swamphen, Porphyrio paepae (disappeared around 1900 or earlier)
- North Island takahē, Porphyrio mantelli (from New Zealand, became extinct in the late 1800s)
- New Caledonian swamphen, Porphyrio kukwiedei
- Huahine swamphen, Porphyrio mcnabi
Scientists have also found bones of other extinct swamphens from places like Buka, New Ireland, Norfolk Island, Rota, and Mangaia. These discoveries help us learn more about the history of these interesting birds.
