Description
Purple Swamphen
The Purple Swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio) is a large, bulky and rare waterfowl with a black back, broad dark blue collar and neck, and dark blue to purple chest. The Purple Swamphen has a bright red bill, and orange-red legs and feet. As the Swamphen walks, its tail flicks up and down, revealing a white undertail. There are actually six species of the Purple Swamphen, and the Porphyrio porphyrio is commonly known as the Western Swamphen. Also known as the Sultana Bird, they are native to Spain, Portugal, France, Italy and northwestern Africa.
The Purple Swamphen is bulky yet, surprisingly, accomplished flier and proficient swimmer — even with its lack of webbed feet. However, they prefer to wade along the edges of the water, among reeds and on floating vegetation. They make a loud, quick, bleating or hooting call and are especially noisy during breeding season.
The Purple Swamphen’s diet includes the soft shoots of reeds and plants, and small animals such as frogs and snails. Swamphens are also known to steal eggs and eat ducklings when they can catch them, using its long toes to hold food when they eat.
Purple Swamphens are generally seasonal breeders and pairs often nest in reeds in swamps, clumps of rushes, or long unkempt grass. Each hen can lay 3–6 eggs. Male Swamphens are known to help incubate the eggs.
Purple Swamphen chicks are downy black and able to leave the nest soon after hatching. Young chicks are fed by their parentsfor between 10–14 days, after which they will feed themselves.
These birds are not pinioned. To request that a wing be clipped, send us an email.
Swans Farm –
★★★★★
“Absolutely beautiful birds. The colors are even more vibrant in person and they settled into our aviary within days. Communication was excellent throughout the process.”
— Michael R., Texas
March 14, 2026
Swans Farm –
★★★★★
“Very healthy and active Purple Swamphens. Packaging and transport were handled professionally. Will definitely purchase from Swans Farm again.”
— Ashley P., Florida
February 2, 2026
Swans Farm –
★★★★★
“We received our pair safely and on time. They adapted quickly to our pond area and have become the highlight of our collection.”
— Daniel H., Georgia
January 19, 2026
Swans Farm –
★★★★★
“Great customer service from start to finish. The birds arrived healthy, alert, and exactly as described on the website.”
— Rebecca T., California
April 7, 2026
Swans Farm –
★★★★★
“I was nervous ordering exotic birds online, but everything went smoothly. Beautiful quality birds and very responsive seller.”
— Kevin M., Ohio
December 28, 2025
Swans Farm –
★★★★★
“These birds are stunning in real life. You can tell they were raised properly and cared for before shipping.”
— Jennifer L., Arizona
March 30, 2026
Swans Farm –
★★★★★
“Fast communication and safe delivery. My Purple Swamphen arrived in excellent condition and started eating almost immediately.”
— Brian C., Louisiana
January 8, 2026
Swans Farm –
★★★★★
“Excellent experience overall. Healthy birds, fair pricing, and professional updates during shipping.”
— Samantha W., North Carolina
February 24, 2026
Swans Farm –
★★★★★
“The colors on these birds are incredible. They are calm, healthy, and exceeded my expectations.”
— Tyler B., Oklahoma
April 21, 2026
Swans Farm –
★★★★★
“Very impressed with the professionalism. Delivery was quicker than expected and the birds were healthy and energetic.”
— Nicole D., Nevada
November 17, 2025