African Swamphen
Porphyrio madagascariensis
Overview
The African swamphen (Porphyrio madagascariensis) is a mainly sedentary species of swamphen found in Egypt, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Madagascar. Previously considered a subspecies of the western swamphen, it is distinct for its bronze green or green-blue back and scapulars.
Identification
- Bronze green or green-blue back and scapulars.
- Lacks the paler grey head of the similar grey-headed swamphen.
Habitat
Found in sub-Saharan Africa, including southern Africa, and along the Nile north to the Nile Delta in Egypt. It prefers freshwater or brackish ponds, slow-flowing rivers flanked by reeds and sedges, marshes, swamps, and seasonally flooded wetlands.
Did you know?
It has occurred as a vagrant in Israel, with a recorded sighting in Eilat in October 2015.