Allen's gallinule

Allen's gallinule, formerly known as the lesser gallinule, is a captivating waterbird belonging to the Rallidae family. Its previous scientific name was Porphyrula alleni. The term "Porphyrio" translates to "swamphen" in Latin, and "alleni" honors British naval officer Rear-Admiral William Allen.

These birds are frequently found in marshes and lakes throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. They construct floating nests in marshy areas, laying between 2 to 5 eggs. Allen's gallinules exhibit partial migratory behavior, seasonally relocating to different areas.

Despite not being the strongest fliers, Allen's gallinules have made remarkable journeys to Great Britain twice—an impressive achievement for a bird originating from Sub-Saharan Africa. They have also been spotted as vagrants in various European countries.

Visually, they resemble the slightly larger water rail. They feature a short red bill, greenish back, and purple upperparts, complemented by red legs and long toes. They also display a short white tail with a dark central bar underneath. During breeding season, males boast a vibrant blue frontal shield, while females have a green one. Young gallinules are sandy brown with buff undertails, and chicks are black, like most rail species.

In terms of diet, Allen's gallinules feed on insects and aquatic invertebrates. They forage by probing in mud or shallow water, sometimes relying on vision. Intriguingly, they often nod their heads while swimming.

These birds are typically secretive during the breeding season, often concealing themselves in dense swamps. Their sharp nasal "pruk" call is usually heard more often than they are seen. However, they become somewhat easier to spot during migration or in the winter months.