The Australasian swamphen previously was considered a subspecies of the purple swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio). In New Zealand and Australia populations have expanded due to the creation of new artificial lakes and ponds. Birds are often seen singly, or in groups of two to three, foraging for food beside motorways or roadside ditches, and collecting grit. A study showed that the preferred grit colour is red (followed by yellow and lastly blue) even though red grit is less common. Roadkill is a cause of mortality.
This post is part of the Weekend Reflections meme,
and also part of the Scenic Weekends meme,
and also part of the Saturday Critters meme,
and also part of the Camera Critters meme.
Hello, your swamphen is a lovely color. Great closeups and photos. Thank you so much for linking up and sharing your post. Happy Saturday! Wishing you a happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful hen despite the name ~ ^_^
ReplyDeleteLovely.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful reflections. The mixture and hues of colours in the Australian landscape are distinctive.
ReplyDeleteMy God look at the feet on that thing, beautiful bird I have to say, wish we had them over here.
ReplyDeleteAll the best , Gordon.