First record of the Purple swamp-hen Phorphyrio porphyrio in the Maltese Islands

Abstract

On the 1st of April 2010 while scanning the Ghadira Nature Reserve at around 6.15 a.m. a large bird was seen on the north side of the reserve. At first glance it seemed like a very large Moorhen but immediately both of us realized that we were looking at a Purple Swamphen Phorphyrio porphyrio. The colours were unmistakable, deep purplish blue, white under tail coverts and the red bill, legs and head plate. The bird was about twice the size of a Moorhen, a few of which were close by for size comparison. After walking towards the reservoir at the back it disappeared. About six hours later it reappeared in the reservoir and freshly cut reed leaves were also found on the ground indicating that it had been feeding in the area. This bird feeds mainly on reed leaves and is usually found in large reed beds and extensive marshes.