Gray-headed Swamphen Similar Species Comparison
Main SpeciesGray-headed Swamphen
Adult
Large, colorful rail with heavy red bill. Note orange-red legs and red forehead shield.
© Albin Jacob / Macaulay LibraryKarnataka, December 21, 2017Adult
Large, colorful rail with long, orange-red legs and heavy red bill and forehead shield.
© Pattaraporn Vangtal / Macaulay LibraryChiang Rai, January 02, 2018Juvenile
Juveniles are darker overall with a thick dark bill and dull legs.
© Ravikumar K / Macaulay LibraryKarnataka, September 15, 2017Adult
The brilliant blue and purple colors can appear dull or dark in some lighting conditions or at distance. Note the large size, red forehead shield and red-orange legs.
© Albin Jacob / Macaulay LibraryKerala, November 04, 2017Adult
Large rail native to southern Asia, introduced to Florida. Lives in freshwater marshes, sawgrass, and ponds and puddles in developed areas such as golf courses, ditches, and water conservation areas.
© Charles Crawford / Macaulay LibraryFlorida, February 13, 2018Similar SpeciesPurple Gallinule
Adult
Purple Gallinules are considerably smaller than Gray-headed Swamphens, with yellow (not red-orange) legs; a thinner, yellow-tipped bill; greenish back; and bluish forehead shield.
© Geoff Hill / Macaulay LibraryGeorgia, July 10, 2010
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