Swamphens - Family Overview

Swamphens are large, colourful wetland birds belonging to the family Rallidae, which also includes rails, coots, gallinules, and finfoots. They are characterised by their robust bodies, long toes, strong legs, and brightly coloured bills and frontal shields.

These birds are closely associated with freshwater wetlands, marshes, reedbeds, lakes, ponds, and flooded grasslands. Swamphens are strong walkers and climbers among dense vegetation, often seen foraging along water edges or moving through reeds.

Swamphens are omnivorous, feeding on aquatic plants, seeds, shoots, insects, snails, and small vertebrates. They are known for their deliberate feeding behaviour, often holding food items with one foot while eating.

Breeding typically occurs within dense wetland vegetation, where swamphens construct bulky nests close to or above water. They are territorial during the breeding season and communicate using loud calls and visual displays.

In India and much of Asia, swamphens are resident birds and are commonly encountered in suitable wetland habitats. Their presence is considered an indicator of healthy freshwater ecosystems and intact wetland vegetation.

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Licensing & Prints

Selected photographs of swamphens are available for licensing and editorial use. You can explore curated images in the Swamphens collection on BirdsPhotos Shop.