Australasian Swamphen

1. Large, bright red triangular bill and frontal shield

2. Deep purplish-blue and black plumage with white undertail coverts

3. Long pink-red legs and feet, often seen flicking undertail while walking

Swamphens are social, living in groups that often include several breeding females and males, as well as helpers from previous broods. Multiple females may lay eggs in the same nest, and all group members help incubate and care for the young. Females usually lay between three and seven eggs per clutch, with incubation lasting about 23–29 days, mainly by the domit female but with help from other adults. Chicks are fed and protected by the whole group. Their diet is mostly plant-based but includes insects, snails, and occasionally small vertebrates. Swamphens use their strong bill and feet to pull up and tear apart food, often holding items in one foot while eating.

Australasian Swamphens thrive in a wide range of wetland habitats, including lakes, swamps, marshes, and slow-moving rivers with dense vegetation. They are common in urban parks, golf courses, and artificial lakes, often venturing into farmland and roadside ditches. These birds are most active early and late in the day and are often approachable in areas where they are accustomed to people.