The Indian subcontinent, the Middle East, southern China, and northern Thailand are all home to the grey-headed swamphen (Porphyrio poliocephalus). Grey headed swamphens are chicken- sized waterfowl with the males averaging 1,050 g (2.3 lbs) and females averaging 850 g (1.9 lbs).
Grassland feast In the grasslands, the swamphen forages peacefully, searching for hidden food.
They have dark, shiny indigo or purple feathers with red bills and frontal shields. In a complex courtship ritual, the male bows to the female while laughing loudly and carrying water weeds in his bill. Swamphens will retreat away from humans. However, they are very territorial during breeding season, and may even bite.
Leaf Perch Balanced on a leaf, calm and steady.
An inhabitant of marshy, vegetated freshwater bodies such as swamps, rivers, and lakes; usually in small groups. Feeds, often clumsily, at muddy water edges, in reeds, and on floating vegetation.
Winged sprint The grey-headed swamphen readies for flight.
Makes short nasal grunts and croaking sounds. Formerly part of the species known as Purple Swamphen. Although the season varies throughout their wide range and often corresponds with the peak rainfall in many locations or the summer in more temperate climates, Grey-headed Swamphens are often seasonal breeders. In warm reed beds, the Grey-headed Swamphen breeds.
Focused lookout A curious swamphen keeps watch in the wetland.
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