About the African Swamphen
The African Swamphen (Porphyrio madagascariensis) is a species of bird in the Rails, Gallinules, and Coots family (Rallidae), within the order Gruiformes. This family contains 156 recognized species worldwide.
Use the eBird species code purswa2 when logging sightings in eBird or other citizen science platforms.
Taxonomy & Classification
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Rails, Gallinules, and Coots (Rallidae) |
| Species | Porphyrio madagascariensis |
| Species Codes | purswa2, PUSW, AFRI, AFSW |
Frequently Asked Questions
What family does the African Swamphen belong to?
The African Swamphen (Porphyrio madagascariensis) belongs to the Rails, Gallinules, and Coots family (Rallidae), in the order Gruiformes.
How can I identify the African Swamphen?
The African Swamphen is a member of the Rails, Gallinules, and Coots family. Check field guides or upload a photo to our AI Bird Identifier for help.
Where can I report a African Swamphen sighting?
You can log sightings of African Swamphen on eBird (ebird.org) using species code purswa2, or on iNaturalist.