Identification: Similar to Grey-headed Swamphen, but has a reduced frontal shield, with Black-backed normally lacking the prominent raised ridges on the sides of the shield. This species also shows darker upperparts and head compared to Grey-headed Swamphen. Generally, Black-backed Swamphen has a dark purple head and back, which appear as dark or darker than the underparts, while Grey-headed's head color appears lighter than the rest of the plumage. Hybrids of the two species may occur but confirmatory evidence is lacking. Their taxonomic relationships are also being debated.