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Western Swamphen
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Habitat and behaviour
Habitat: Reedbeds (extreme vagrant).
Diet: Shoots, roots.
Best time to spot: Huge purple rail with a red bill.
When to look
A rare visitor, not a resident. There is no dependable season, though most rarities are found during spring and autumn migration. More on the season in Rare birds in the UK.
How rare is it?
The Western Swamphen sits in our Legendary tier for the UK: a major rarity, where any record is big news. It is not on the Red or Amber lists in Birds of Conservation Concern 5.
Recent UK sightings
No community sightings logged for this species yet. Log the first one.
Similar birds
- Allen's GallinuleLegendary · Marshes (very rare)
- American Purple GallinuleLegendary · Marshes (very rare)
- Black-headed BitternLegendary · Reedbeds (extreme vagrant)
- Least BitternLegendary · Reedbeds (extreme vagrant)
- Acadian FlycatcherLegendary · Scrub (extreme vagrant)
- Alder FlycatcherLegendary · Scrub (extreme vagrant)
Kit that helps
Bird ID starter kit. Affiliate links, our own picks, no extra cost to you.
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