Juvenile Purple Gallinule

· by

I loved watching this juvenile Purple Gallinule making his way independently through the marsh. Looks like he’s just learning the ropes. ☺️

But how do we know this a Purple Gallinule, and how can we tell it’s a juvenile?

Several unique features make it unmistakable: long, bright yellow “chicken legs”, a distinctive red and yellow beak with pale blue shield, a bright puff of white tail feathers, and emerging iridescent blue body feathers.

Nearly all of this juvenile bird’s colors are still somewhat muted, and not nearly as vibrant as they will become in adulthood. See All About Birds for more info and photos.

I just discovered this whimsical image above by artist Olimpia Zagnoli in a delightful 2016 article entitled Reimagining the Purple Gallinule (you can read it here: Audubon Magazine)!!

What a creative way to capture the brilliant colors and beauty of the mature Purple Gallinule!!

14 thoughts on “Juvenile Purple Gallinule”

    • Yes, we have common Moorhens here too. In fact, their name was changed two years ago to Common Gallinule. Both members of the rail family. Our area has recently been populated with a related non-native species called the Purple Swamphen. Sort of looks like a purple gallinule on steroids and with slightly different coloring.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  3. Your videos made me smile! It does indeed look like he’s learning how to control those long legs and his fabulously big feet. But I bet he’ll be a graceful creature when he’s had time to learn… 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

Leave a reply to Adele Brand Cancel reply