sandeyeSwamphens and Moorhens
March 10th 2008 18:38
One further preview chapter - on Swamphens and Moorhens - from my book, Our Australian Feathered Friends.
There are no waterfowl regularly visiting our yard, and there has not yet been a single occurrence that I am aware of of a Moorhen or Swamphen coming. However, we live close to many areas of natural wetland and several man-made ponds at which we often sight both species. The above photograph was taken in the Wollongong Botanic Gardens, another spot where waterbirds will often be observed by us.
The Gallinula tenebrosa is a medium sized bird of approximately 36cm, which sometimes issues a sharp shrieking call. The coloring is mainly black or dark gray in the adult bird, though younger members may be tinged with brown or less vivid in coloration. The undertail is white. The beak has a predominantly red color which leads up onto the forehead, but there is a yellow end to the bill.
Commonly known as the Dusky Moorhen, this species is located predominantly along the eastern coast of Australia, though it is found in all states, including Tasmania. It locates food both in the water and on dry land. This bird has an extensive variety of foods contained within its diet, including plant products such as grasses, seeds, fruits and algae, as well as bird droppings and carnivorous items such as molluscs, invertebrates, and some dead creatures.The breeding season lasts from late winter through late summer. The Moorhens form breeding communities which share the duties of raising the offspring, building the nests, and defending the territory. A mother bird ordinarily shares her nest with one or more other mothers. Therefore, numerous eggs are laid in each nest, sometimes almost twenty per nest. The nests are created from water grasses and reeds and often sit amongst the same.
We can personally observe this variety of waterbird at the pond on the side of the golf course, near our local beach. Additionally, at both local wetlands areas and at Stuart Park, I have spotted the species.
The Purple Swamphen is a larger bird than the Dusky Moorhen, and can be found throughout most of Tasmania, New South Wales and Victoria, as well as in coastal Queensland. There are areas in the other states where it may also be located, though not so prolifically.
Sharing a red bill with facial extension reaching to the top of the head with the Moorhen, the Swamphen is easily distinguishable by its frontal plumage, as well as the lack of yellow on the beak. Whereas both birds have a predominantly shiny black body with white undertail, the Swamphen has a porphyrous necklace with a bib also of a bright purpley-blue.
Located mostly around marshy wetlands and swamps, the Porphyrio porphyrio also inhabits areas with streams and artificial ponds. I have personally seen members of this species at both Stuart Park and the Wollongong Botanic Gardens, to give examples. The purple Swamphen will eat the shoots of waterplants, along with baby ducks, eggs, and small creatures such as snails and frogs.
Also a communal bird at breeding time, the females will mate with multiple partners prior to sharing the incubation and rearing duties within their breeding-family. Three to five eggs are lain. These will be of a sandy color with chestnut-gray spots. One to two batches of young occur per year.
If you wish to hear the book discussed and a portion read, please go to Really Long Link and check out the Dec 3 2007 program.
Additionally, there is a wall calendar available using selected bird photographs in relation to the book at: Really Long Link
If any one is interested in further previewing/purchasing this book, please go to www.lulu.com/winterbear
There are no waterfowl regularly visiting our yard, and there has not yet been a single occurrence that I am aware of of a Moorhen or Swamphen coming. However, we live close to many areas of natural wetland and several man-made ponds at which we often sight both species. The above photograph was taken in the Wollongong Botanic Gardens, another spot where waterbirds will often be observed by us.
The Gallinula tenebrosa is a medium sized bird of approximately 36cm, which sometimes issues a sharp shrieking call. The coloring is mainly black or dark gray in the adult bird, though younger members may be tinged with brown or less vivid in coloration. The undertail is white. The beak has a predominantly red color which leads up onto the forehead, but there is a yellow end to the bill.
The Purple Swamphen is a larger bird than the Dusky Moorhen, and can be found throughout most of Tasmania, New South Wales and Victoria, as well as in coastal Queensland. There are areas in the other states where it may also be located, though not so prolifically.
Sharing a red bill with facial extension reaching to the top of the head with the Moorhen, the Swamphen is easily distinguishable by its frontal plumage, as well as the lack of yellow on the beak. Whereas both birds have a predominantly shiny black body with white undertail, the Swamphen has a porphyrous necklace with a bib also of a bright purpley-blue.
Located mostly around marshy wetlands and swamps, the Porphyrio porphyrio also inhabits areas with streams and artificial ponds. I have personally seen members of this species at both Stuart Park and the Wollongong Botanic Gardens, to give examples. The purple Swamphen will eat the shoots of waterplants, along with baby ducks, eggs, and small creatures such as snails and frogs.
Also a communal bird at breeding time, the females will mate with multiple partners prior to sharing the incubation and rearing duties within their breeding-family. Three to five eggs are lain. These will be of a sandy color with chestnut-gray spots. One to two batches of young occur per year.
If you wish to hear the book discussed and a portion read, please go to Really Long Link and check out the Dec 3 2007 program.
Additionally, there is a wall calendar available using selected bird photographs in relation to the book at: Really Long Link
If any one is interested in further previewing/purchasing this book, please go to www.lulu.com/winterbear
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