purple swamphen

noun

Definition of purple swamphen

: a large purplish-blue bird (Porphyrio porphyrio of the family Rallidae) that is native to warmer parts of the Old World and typically frequents wet areas and that has long red legs and a thick red bill Spring rain has brought the purple swamphens to the region's roadsides. The bird, which looks like a purple chicken, darts along the side of the road waiting for an opportunity to cross.The Newcastle (Australia) Herald, 2 Nov. 2010 … out to kill exotic purple swamphens—colorful, nonnative birds that infest a network of stormwater treatment areas constructed by the South Florida Water Management District …— Sue Cocking, The Miami Herald, 16 Dec. 2010

called also purple gallinule

First Known Use of purple swamphen

1949, in the meaning defined above

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