01/08/2016 Western Swamphen at Minsmere

Monday 1 August 2016
RSPB Minsmere, Suffolk


I could not resist the chance to visit Minsmere and join the other 100+ birders enjoying a first sighting in Britain of the western swamphen.  

• Luck was on my side this time.  I arrived about 14.30, just in time to see the bird at the back of the pool to the west of south hide before it disappeared into the reeds.  

• Although we got several fleeting views over the next 45 minutes it disappeared into the reeds again.  This time it did not show again until after I left at 18.00 

• The western swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio) is a "swamp hen" in the rail family Rallidae. From its French name talève sultane, it is also known as the sultana bird. 

• 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.

Addition to BUBO 2016 UK Bird List:
Western Swamphen   (230)

Addition to BUBO UK Life List:
Western Swamphen   (318)