Purple Swamphen

A large rail, it is mainly dusky black above, with a broad dark blue collar, and dark blue to purple below. As it walks, it flicks its tail up and down, revealing its white undertail. The bill is red and robust, and the legs and feet orange-red. For such a bulky bird, the Swamphen is an accomplished flier and will readily take to the air to escape danger. In flight, the long legs and elongated toes trail behind or hang underneath the body. They are proficient swimmers but prefer to wander on the edges of the water, among reeds and on floating vegetation. Its diet includes the soft shoots of reeds and rushes and small animals, such as frogs and snails. However, it is a reputed egg stealer and will also eat ducklings when it can catch them. It uses its long toes to grasp food while eating.