Bird
Purple Gallinule
Porphyrio martinicaAlso known as Yellow-legged Gallinule
Purple Gallinules are brilliant wetland rails with iridescent blue-purple bodies, green backs, red-and-yellow bills, and extremely long yellow toes. They balance across floating vegetation and climb emergent stems while searching for food.
wetland raillong toesfloating vegetation
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyInsects, snails, small frogs
Predators
- hawks
- alligators
- raccoons
ThreatsWetland drainage, polluted water, invasive plants, collisions, and nesting disturbance
HabitatsFreshwater marshes, ponds, lagoons, flooded fields, and dense floating vegetation
Life spanOften several years, with exact maximum wild longevity not well documented
Classification
- FamilyRallidae
- SpeciesPorphyrio martinica
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Remain on boardwalks and keep clear of concealed nests in floating vegetation.
Responsible observation
- Identify: Combine a red-yellow bill, vivid purple body, green back, and oversized yellow feet.
- Watch: Scan broad floating leaves for a bird stepping delicately across the surface.
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