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Porphyrio indicus
Basic stats
Diet
Aquatic plants, seeds, insects, small animals
Habitat
Marshes, swamps, wetland edges
Range
Africa, southern Europe, Asia, Australasia
Clutch size
3–6 eggs
Incubation period
About 23–27 days
Size
Large (45–50cm)
Wingspan
~90–100cm
Weight
~500–1000g
A large, striking rail with deep purple-blue plumage, a bright red bill and frontal shield, and oversized red legs and feet used to grip reeds and vegetation.
Forages conspicuously among marsh plants, clambering through reedbeds and using its long toes to hold food while tearing at stems with its powerful bill.
