Basic Description
The Purple Gallinule is a colorful and fascinating bird. It belongs to the family Rallidae, which contains more than 150 species of waterbirds. This bird has an overall length of about 13 inches and weighs around 7-8 ounces. Its most striking feature is the bright purple-blue coloration on its back, wings, and head.
Where To Find This Bird
This bird can be found in wetlands across much of South America, Central America, Mexico, and parts of the southern United States. In North America, it breeds mainly in Florida but can also be seen along the Gulf Coast.
Habitat
Purple Gallinules live in freshwater marshes with dense vegetation such as cattails or bulrushes. They prefer shallow water where they forage for food near floating plants like lily pads.
Food
These birds are omnivores that feed on a variety of insects including grasshoppers, crickets, dragonflies as well as snails and small fish. They will also consume vegetables such as leaves from aquatic plants like water hyacinth or pickerelweed.
Cool Facts
1) The Purple Gallinule has incredibly long toes that spread out widely to help distribute their weight when walking on floating vegetation.
2) These birds have bright red bills with yellow tips which make them easily identifiable
3) Mating pairs often build nests over water using surrounding vegetation
4) Although not endangered this species was once hunted for its plumage
Overall the Purple Gallinule is a unique bird known for its vibrant colors and interesting behaviors making it a treat to come across one while exploring wetland habitats across Central & South American or Southern US states like Florida where these birds call home during breeding season..
