The Purple Swamphen

Description:

This chicken-sized bird, with its huge feet, bright plumage and red bill and frontal shield is easily-recognisable in its native range.

Habitat:

The Purple Swamphen prefers wet areas with high rainfall, swamps, lake edges and damp pastures. The birds often live in pairs and larger communities. It clambers through the reeds, eating the tender shoots and vegetable-like matter. They have been known to eat eggs, ducklings, small fish and invertebrates such as snails