Grey-headed Swamphen

This species is defined as a Review Species. Please submit your records of this species via our record submission page.

Scientific Name: Porphyrio poliocephalus
Malay Name: Panglin Biasa
Chinese Name: 紫水鸡

Range:
Breeding Range: Middle East and Indian subcontinent to s China, n Thailand, Andaman and Nicobar Is.

Taxonomy:
Polytypic. Subspecies are: seistanicus, poliocephalus, viridis.

Local Subspecies: viridis

Size: 28-29 cm

Identification:
Distinguished from Common Moorhen by bigger size, dark purplish blue overall plumage, red stout bill, frontal shield and legs, whitish undertail-coverts and blackish-brown wings. Juvenile resembles adult but has paler plumage and duller frontal shield. Distinguished from the similar Black-backed Swamphen by generally greyer upperparts and head, as well as usually bigger frontal shield that features raised ridges by the side. Hybrids of the two species may occur but confirmatory evidence is lacking, and their taxonomic relationships are also being debated.

Similar looking species: Common Moorhen

Habitat: Freshwater wetlands.

Behaviour/Ecology: Often seen feeding in the open by picking up food material while walking on floating vegetation.

Local Status: Uncommon resident

Featured articles:

Past accepted records in our database:

Grey-headed Swamphen at Lorong Halus. Photo Credit: Francis Yap
Grey-headed Swamphens at Kranji Marsh. Photo Credit: Francis Yap
Grey-headed Swamphen at Kranji Marsh. Photo Credit: Francis Yap
Grey-headed Swamphen at Kranji Marsh. Photo Credit: Francis Yap
Grey-headed Swamphen at Lorong Halus. Photo Credit: Francis Yap
External Links:
Sound Recordings: xeno-canto Link
Wikipedia Entry: Wikipedia Link
eBird Species page: eBird (Gray-headed Swamphen)
References:
Jeyarajasingam, A., & Pearson, A. (2012). A Field Guide to the Birds of Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore. Oxford University Press.
Robson, C. (2014). Field guide to the birds of South-East Asia (Second Edition). Bloomsbury Publishing, London.