Photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/dkeats / CC BY 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
African Swamphen
Porphyrio madagascariensis
African Swamphen (Porphyrio madagascariensis) — Cranes & Rails of Africa.
Found across 6 guides in our atlas — open any for the full checklist, photos and what's around right now.
The African Swamphen (Porphyrio madagascariensis) is a member of the Rallidae family found in Africa. Adults weigh 636 g.
Where it fits
- Class Aves
- Order Gruiformes
- Family Rallidae Rails, Crakes & Coots
- Genus Porphyrio
- Species madagascariensis
Quick facts
- Weight
- 636 g
- Diet
- Aquatic plant-eaters
- Family
- Rallidae
- Order
- Gruiformes
- Habitat
- Wetland, lake & coast
How to identify
Similar birds
Least Concern
Not Evaluated
Not Evaluated
Not Evaluated
Biology & behaviour
Diet
The African Swamphen feeds mainly on aquatic plants and algae.
Behaviour
A bird of wetlands, it forages mainly on the ground.
Migration
The African Swamphen is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
The African Swamphen (Porphyrio madagascariensis) is a member of the Rallidae family, within the order Gruiformes. It is found across Africa. Its distribution covers AF Africa and Madagascar.
It is a large bird. Adults weighs around 636 g, with a wing length of about 22.5 cm and a tail of around 8.4 cm.
Songs & calls
Frequently asked questions
How big is the African Swamphen?
The African Swamphen is a large bird that weighs around 636 g.
Where does the African Swamphen live?
The African Swamphen is found across Africa with a range covering AF Africa and Madagascar, where it is associated with wetlands, lakes and other open water.
What family does the African Swamphen belong to?
The African Swamphen (Porphyrio madagascariensis) belongs to the Rallidae family, in the order Gruiformes.
What does the African Swamphen eat?
The African Swamphen feeds mainly on aquatic plants and algae.
Does the African Swamphen migrate?
The African Swamphen is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
What sound does the African Swamphen make?
1 real field recording of the African Swamphen — including its alarm call — can be played in the Songs & calls section on this page, credited to the recordist who captured it.
Conservation
Every bird benefits from bird-safe windows, native plants, and keeping cats indoors. Small changes at home add up to real protection.
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