Its deep blue and purple feathers shimmer in the sunlight, while its bright red beak and legs make it easy to spot in wetlands, farmlands, and grassy fields across Australia, New Zealand, and nearby islands. This bird belongs to the rail family and is closely related to other swamphens around the world. It thrives in wetlands, often living near ponds, marshes, or rivers, but it is also adaptable, making use of human-altered environments like farmland and urban parks.

One of the most interesting features of the Australasian swamphen is its bold behavior. Unlike many birds that shy away from humans, the swamphen is curious and often approaches people without hesitation, especially in areas where it has become accustomed to visitors. It is a social bird that lives in family groups and works together to find food and protect its territory. Watching them interact reveals a world of cooperation and communication, with loud calls and gestures that keep the group organized. These calls range from sharp, high-pitched warnings to softer sounds used within the family group.

The Australasian swamphen is an opportunistic feeder with a diet that includes a mix of plant material and small animals. Its long toes are perfectly designed for gripping and pulling up grasses, roots, and reeds. It also eats seeds, berries, insects, snails, and even small frogs when available. Its foraging behavior is captivating to watch, as it often uses one foot to hold its food while tearing it apart with its beak. This unique feeding technique sets it apart from many other waterbirds.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Australia

2020

Indonesia

2020

New Caledonia

2020

New Zealand

2020

Papua New Guinea

2020

Samoa

2020