Bird Guide

Purple Gallinule vs South Island Takahe

Purple Gallinule (Porphyrio martinica)

Purple Gallinule

Porphyrio martinica

Medium235 gWetland

The purple gallinule is a medium-sized rail, measuring 26–37 cm (10–15 in) in length, spanning 50–61 cm (20–24 in) across the wings and weighing 141–305 g (5.0–10.8 oz). Males, averaging 257 g (9.1 oz) in mass, are slightly larger than females, at 215 g (7.6 oz) on average. An adult purple gallinule has purple-blue plumage that will shine green and turquoise when in good lighting. Adults also have a pale blue shield on their forehead, which connects with the red and yellow bill.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Sonogram of the Purple Gallinule
Recorded by radrat · Song · Club de Yate Miraflores-R (near Panama City), Panama, Panamá Province, Panama · CC0
Photo: Judy Gallagher · CC BY 2.0
South Island Takahe (Porphyrio hochstetteri)

South Island Takahe

Porphyrio hochstetteri

Huge2.5 kgGrassland

The South Island takahē is the largest living member of the family Rallidae. Its overall length averages 63 cm (25 in) and its average weight is about 2.7 kg (6.0 lb) in males and 2.3 kg (5.1 lb) in females, ranging from 1.8–4.2 kg (4.0–9.3 lb). The lifespan of a takahē can range from 18 years in the wild or 22 in animal sanctuaries. Its standing height is around 50 cm (20 in). It is a stocky, powerful bird, with short strong legs and a massive bill which can deliver a painful bite to the unwary.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Porphyrio_hochstetteri_-Tiritiri_Matangi_Island-8b.jpg: Ashleigh Thompson derivative work: Snowmanradio (talk) · CC BY 2.0

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Purple Gallinule and South Island Takahe.