Australasian Swamphen
Calls & Sounds

The Australasian Swamphen (Porphyrio melanotus) is a very large species of rail with a glossy purple-blue plumage and a large bright red frontal shield. It is found across Australia, New Zealand (where it’s known as the pūkeko) and parts of the southwestern Pacific. It can be found in a variety of habitats including lakes, dams, farmland and urban parks. It was previously considered a subspecies of the Purple Swamphen, before being split into its own species.

What does an Australasian Swamphen sound like? The Australasian Swamphen is very vocal, often making loud crowing squawks, shrieks and squeals. Other calls include sharp ‘nchyip’ notes, honking and braying calls, gravelly croaks and soft grunts. The territorial ‘crowing’ call of the Australasian Swamphen is an interesting series starting with a few softer squawks which build into very loud thumping, drawn out shrieks.

Listen to some examples of Australasian Swamphen sounds below.