Purple Gallinule–the prettiest swamp chicken!

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“… although you may think it strange, I candidly assure you that I have experienced a thousand times more pleasure while looking at the Purple Gallinule flirting its tail while gaily moving over the broad leaves of the water-lily, than I have ever done while silently sitting in the corner of a crowded apartment, gazing on the flutterings of gaudy fans and the wavings of flowing plumes. Would that I were once more extended on some green grassy couch, in my native Louisiana, or that I lay concealed under some beautiful tree, overhanging the dark bayou, on whose waters the bird of beauty is wont to display its graceful movements, and the rich hues of its glossy plumage! Methinks I now see the charming creature gliding sylph-like over the leaves that cover the lake, with the aid of her lengthened toes, so admirably adapted for the purpose…”      —  John James Audubon, Ornithological Biography, Vol III  

 

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The wetlands of South Florida harbor a group of birds of the Family Rallidae sometimes called ‘swamp chickens or swamp hens’. In fact in many areas these are considered game birds.  Most people here are quite familiar with the American Coot and the Common Moorhen members of the rail family. But, here in South Florida’s wetland areas lives a stunningly beautiful species of rail known as the American Purple Gallinule (Porphyrio martinicus) or sometimes for its lemon yellow legs, the Yellow-legged Gallinule. Although its species name Porphyrio is derived from the Greek porphyra, meaning  “purple pigment” which aims itself at this birds most defining color. And against a field of green, purple is what your eye admires.

The adult Purple gallinule has large yellow feet with long toes. Its plumage fairly iridesces in the light and ranges in hue from purple to blue with shades of green. Under tail feathers are white. The bill is bright red,  tipped with yellow and features a frontal shield extension on its forehead which is pale blue in color.The pale blue forehead shield color of the Purple Gallinule differentiates it from brethren such as the Common Moorhen whose frontal shield is as fire-engine red as the bill.

Gallinules eat a variety of plant and animal material from insects, frogs and snails to aquatic and terrestrial plants. I have never witnessed a Purple Gallinule feasting on an insect, but the specimens I have enjoyed watching REALLY do love the tender blossoms of the aquatic Fireflag plant and the Purple flower spires of the aquatic Pickerel weed. It is a delicate and entertaining high wire act watching these colorful ‘swamp chickens’ negotiate the aquatic plants in quest of a tender flowery nibble. Broad leaves and slender stems wave and flex with movement of bird and sultry breeze and yet they are equipped to hang in for the prize.

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Blossoms of the aquatic fireflag plant — a yummy treat for Purple Gallinules!!

I have to confess to consistently trying for a nice shot of these flowers draping down so nicely from such thin shoots and being defeated by the slightest breeze!! They are lovely though and mostly do come adorned with insects.

 

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Success!

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This specimen looks lovely in the light as it traipses across the wetland’s  high wire of pickerel weed stems!

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Ahh, another yummy treat!! —These are the flowery spires of the aquatic pickerel weed plant. Up close the tiny florets curl up a bit like ribbon candy.

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Another member of Rallidae, the Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) featuring its fire-engine red frontal shield.

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Judy

 

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~ by Judy on June 18, 2014.