Western Swamphen
Porphyrio porphyrio (Linnaeus, 1758)
PURSW 
4270
Family: Gruiformes > Rallidae
A striking, large relative of the Moorhen, Western Swamphen breeds in southern Europe. Normally quite sedentary in habits, this is an extremely rare visitor to Britain.
The species was added to the British List on the basis of an individual found at Minsmere, Suffolk on 31 July 2016. It remained there until 5 August, before being relocated in Lincolnshire on 30 August where it remained until 4 January 2017.
Select a topic for more facts and statistics about the Western Swamphen
BTO RECORDS
BTO RECORDS
Identification
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Browse training coursesStatus and Trends
Population size and trends and patterns of distribution based on BTO surveys and atlases with data collected by BTO volunteers.
CONSERVATION STATUS
This species can be found on the following statutory and conservation listings and schedules.
| Species of European Conservation Concern | Least Concern |
| IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (global) |
Least Concern 
|
| Schedule 1 license required (to disturb) | No |
| Birds Directive Annex 1 | No |
POPULATION SIZE
We have no population estimates for this scarce species.
| BOU Category | A |
|
First Record
|
Suffolk, 2016 |
DISTRIBUTION
This species is a rare vagrant and was recorded during Bird Atlas 2007–11 as shown on the map.
More from the Atlas Mapstore.
SEASONALITY
Western Swamphen is a very rare vagrant and these records relate to one or two well-watched individuals.
Movement
Information about movement and migration based on online bird portals (e.g. BirdTrack), Ringing schemes and tracking studies.
RINGING RECOVERIES
View a summary of recoveries in the Online Ringing Report.
Biology
Lifecycle and body size information about Western Swamphen, including statistics on nesting, eggs and lifespan based on BTO ringing and nest recording data.
PRODUCTIVITY & NESTING
Sample sizes are too small to report Productivity and Nesting statistics for this species.
BIOMETRICS
Sample sizes are too small to report Biometrics for this species.
Feather measurements and photos on featherbase
CODES & CLASSIFICATION
|
Field Codes
|
5-letter code: PURSW | Euring: 4270 |
For information in another language (where available) click on a linked name
Links to more studies from ConservationEvidence.com
- The success of a soft-release reintroduction of the flightless Aldabra rail (Dryolimnas [cuvieri] aldabranus) on Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles
- Rapid colonization of a human-made wetland by Mariana common moorhen on Guam
- Intraclutch variation in egg size of American coots
Read more studies about Western Swamphen on Conservation Evidence >
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