American Purple Gallinule
Porphyrio martinicus

f6.3 @ 1/2000s, ISO:800, Nikon D300S w 500mm


\"American Purple Gallinule,\" Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.The American Purple Gallinule (Porphyrio martinicus) is a \"swamp hen\" in the rail family Rallidae. This is a medium-sized rail, measuring 26–37 cm (10–15 in) in length, spanning 50–61 cm (20–24 in) across the wings and weighing 141–305 g (5.0–10.8 oz).Males, averaging 257 g (9.1 oz) in mass, are slightly larger than females, at 215 g (7.6 oz) on average. The adult Purple gallinule has big yellow feet, purple-blue plumage with a green back, and red and yellow bill. It has a pale blue forehead shield and white undertail. Darkness or low light can dim the bright purple-blue plumage of the adult to make them look dusky or brownish, although the forehead shield color differentiates them from similar species such as Common Gallinules.
Brazos Bend State Park, Needville, Texas
 
04/29/2011