Purple Swamphen in reed habitat, Bundula, Sri Lanka

The western swamphen is a "swamp hen" in the rail family Rallidae. This chicken-sized bird, with its large feet, bright plumage and red bill and frontal shield is easily recognisable in its native range. It used to be considered the nominate subspecies of the purple swamphen. It is found in Iberia, France, Sardinia and North Africa to Tunisia.