Destination Wild

The Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio (දම් මැදි-කිතලා in Sinhalese) is a “swamp hen” in the rail family Rallidae. Also known locally as the Pūkeko, African Purple Swamphen, Purple Moorhen, Purple Gallinule or Purple Coot. From its French name talève sultane, it is also known as the Sultana Bird. This chicken-sized bird, with its large feet, bright plumage and red bill and frontal shield is easily-recognisable in its native range.