Australasian Swamphen Juvenile
Porphyrio melanotus (juvenile)
A juvenile Australasian Swamphen ranges through swamp margins, reed beds, ponds, and wet pasture while still developing adult colors. It forages for shoots, seeds, roots, insects, and other small animals, often using long toes to walk over soft mud and floating plants. The plumage is duller and browner than an adult's, and the bill and frontal shield are not yet fully bright red. It can run, swim, and make short flights, but relies heavily on cover when threatened.
- Type
- Water
- Conservation status
- NE
Growth chain
- ?
- Australasian Swamphen Juvenile
- Australasian Swamphen