purple gallinule
Quick Summary
The purple gallinule (Porphyrula martinica) is a marsh bird belonging to the rail family. It is found from the southern United States to Argentina. This bird is about 30 cm (12 inches) long and is characterized by its bright olive-green and purplish-blue plumage, a light blue frontal shield, and a red and yellow bill. Gallinules, in general, are known for their long, thin toes that help them walk on floating vegetation and a prominent frontal shield on their forehead. They are typically noisy and inquisitive birds, often migratory, and build nests near water. Gallinules are omnivorous, consuming aquatic vegetation, mollusks, frogs, and small fish.123
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