Purple Swamphen

Porphyrio porphyrio

(P. p. caspius)

Armenian Name:	Սուլթանական հավ
Species Status:	Undetermined Species - Species of Special Concern

See Plate 22 for Purple Swamphen and other similar species

Resident Status:	Year-round visitor
Abundance:	Rare
Length:	45-50 cm, Wing Span:90-100 cm
Distribution Map:	Map 104.
Description:	Large with bright blue-purple plumage.
Adult:	Dark blue above with paler head, dark violet underparts, white undertail coverts, and greenish tint to scapulars. Large red bill and legs.
Juvenile:	Duller, whitish throat. Bill and legs drabber.
Behavior:	Feeds at edge of reedbeds; slips agilely through reeds, climbs stems.
Habitat:	Densely vegetated lakes, thickets along streams and rivers.
Food:	Aquatic vegetation.