Photo: Len Worthington / CC BY-SA 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Philippine Swamphen
Porphyrio pulverulentus
Philippine Swamphen (Porphyrio pulverulentus) — Cranes & Rails of South & Southeast Asia.
Found across 2 guides in our atlas — open any for the full checklist, photos and what's around right now.
The Philippine Swamphen (Porphyrio pulverulentus) is a member of the Rallidae family found in South & Southeast Asia. Adults weigh 774 g.
Where it fits
- Class Aves
- Order Gruiformes
- Family Rallidae Rails, Crakes & Coots
- Genus Porphyrio
- Species pulverulentus
Quick facts
- Weight
- 774 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 Philippine Swamphen feeds mainly on aquatic plants and algae.
Behaviour
A bird of wetlands, it forages mainly on the ground.
Migration
The Philippine Swamphen is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
The Philippine Swamphen (Porphyrio pulverulentus) belongs to the Rallidae family of the order Gruiformes. It is found across South & Southeast Asia. Its distribution covers OR Philippines (except most West Visayas and Palawan group).
It is a large bird. Adults weighs around 774 g, with a wing length of about 23.5 cm and a tail of around 8.6 cm.
Frequently asked questions
How big is the Philippine Swamphen?
The Philippine Swamphen is a large bird that weighs around 774 g.
Where does the Philippine Swamphen live?
The Philippine Swamphen is found across South & Southeast Asia with a range covering OR Philippines (except most West Visayas and Palawan group), where it is associated with wetlands, lakes and other open water.
What family does the Philippine Swamphen belong to?
The Philippine Swamphen (Porphyrio pulverulentus) belongs to the Rallidae family, in the order Gruiformes.
What does the Philippine Swamphen eat?
The Philippine Swamphen feeds mainly on aquatic plants and algae.
Does the Philippine Swamphen migrate?
The Philippine Swamphen is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
Conservation
Every bird benefits from bird-safe windows, native plants, and keeping cats indoors. Small changes at home add up to real protection.
Explore more birds
More in Rallidae
Least Concern
Least Concern
Least Concern
Least Concern
Not Evaluated
Least Concern
More in Cranes & Rails
Least Concern
Vulnerable
Least Concern
Not Evaluated
Vulnerable
Least Concern