Australian Swamphen

AUSTRALIAN SWAMPHEN Porphyrio melanotus

 

It is too easy when out walking, to ignore the most common of our birds. It requires an open mind to continue to remain in awe of the beauty and uniqueness of the everyday.

 
These Purple Swamphens or Australasian Swamphens are very common in and around the reservoir in the centre of the Kilmore Golf Course.

 
The wander out on to the fairways and will venture across roads to nearby gardens to feed on grass and other greenery, quite able to also pull out whole reeds from our lake.

It is quite common  to see them climbing through and amongst the low branches of fallen trees as they make their way back to the water.





The male and the female are alike with beautiful regal porphyry   feathers contrasting with  deep red legs and feet.


 
They are timid birds and will fly off if one gets too close, looking very awkward in the air with the long legs trailing behind as they move to safety.





The Swamphens are very vocal with a number of distinctive cries. The voices can be a harsh 'kak,kak,kak' as they call a warning to each other. They will make a sound like like a small dog with an higher pitched squeal at the end, Ka,ka kiiak. They are vocal at night also. I sometimes wonder if these night calls might be warning others of  hunting foxes.