ID Keys: Dark purplish and greenish body, red and yellow bill with
light blue shield on forehead
The Purple Gallinule is primarily a bird of the
extreme southeastern U.S. and the tropics of Central and South America.
However, individual birds have been known to occasionally wander long distances,
including many records of birds crossing the Atlantic. It is still an
extremely rare visitor to South Dakota, however.
Habitat
Found in large, densely vegetated wetlands with still or very slowly moving water. Prefers areas with floating vegetation such as lily pads.
Diet
Eats a wide variety of plant and animal matter, including leaves, seeds, fruits, berries, insects, fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and small amphibians.
Behavior
Uses a wide variety of foraging methodologies. They will wade through shallow water, swim, walk on land, or clamber through wetland vegetation in search of food.
Breeding
Non-breeder in South Dakota
Song
Variety of whining and clucking notes.
Migration
Summers in much of the extreme Southeastern U.S. through eastern Texas. Winters mainly in Florida in the U.S., as well as Mexico and Central America.
Interactive eBird Map
Click here to access an interactive eBird map of Purple Gallinule sightings
Similar Species
Common Gallinulle , American Coot
Conservation Status
While still common in many areas, numbers have declined locally as habitat has been destroyed.
Photo Information
February, 2006 - Everglades National Park - Photo by Stefan Ekernas .
