A range of teacher professional learning programs will be developed to accompany the Biodiversity of the Western Volcanic Plains online outreach...
Photo(s):
Purple Swamphen
Porphyrio porphyrio
Porphyrio porphyrio
Breeds July-December. A bowl shaped nest is constructed on a platform of trampled reeds, water ribbons and cumbungi. All family members including previous young assist with the incubation and care of the young.
| Details | Description |
| Type | Bird |
| Group | Rail |
| Identifying Characteristics | |
| Distinctive Markings | Deep blue/black head, purple/blue neck and breast, dark back and wings with a very prominent scarlet bill. |
| Diet | Omnivore, eating reed and rush shoots which are pulled out of the water, frogs and snails. Will also eat waterbird eggs and ducklings. |
| Habitat | Well vegetated wetlands, lakes, dams or rivers with grassy margins, trees, scrub or introduced willows. |
| Native Status | Native to Australia |
| Sounds | A large variety of calls including a harsh "kak, kak, kiark, ki-aark". |
| Taxonomy | |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Rallidae |
| Genus | Porphyrio |
| Species | porphyrio |
Widespread in eastern and coastal north-eastern Australia, also Tasmania. Less common in coastal northern Australia. Extends inland when conditions are suitable.
Distribution maps indicate current and historic locations where species have been sighted.
Source: Atlas of Living Australia
| Conservation Status | |
| DEPI Advisory List | Not listed |
| FFG Act | Not listed |
| EPBC Act | Not listed |
The conservation status of species is listed within Victoria and Australia.
The Department of Environment and Primary Industry (DEPI) Advisory List consists of non-statutory advisory lists of rare or threatened flora and fauna within Victoria.
The Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act) lists threatened species in Victoria. Under the Act, an Action Statement is produced for each listed species.
The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) is the Australian Government’s key piece of environmental legislation, listing nationally threatened native species and ecological communities.
