- Porphyrio martinica
Identification
Red bill with yellow tip, head and underparts deep violet-purple, back bronzy green, pale blue forehead shield, and white band on the flanks. The legs are yellow, very conspicuous in flight. Immatures are drab, dark above and pale below; no side stripe; dark bill.
Distribution
Southeastern US, south to Argentina.
Taxonomy
Habitat
Lives in fresh swamps, marshes, and ponds.
Behaviour
Swims, wades, and climbs bushes. When walking, it flirts white undertail coverts; when swimming, pumps head. Voice is a henlike cackling "kek, kek, kek" given while flying; also gutteral notes.
