White swamphen (SciiFii)

The white swamphen (Porphyrio albus), also known as the Lord Howe swamphen, Lord Howe gallinule, or white gallinule, is a species of rail which lives on Lord Howe Island, east of Australia. It was once extinct since 1830s, but has since been brought back from extinction by SciiFii and reintroduced to Lord Howe Island to help boost biodiversity. The white swamphen is usually between 36 cm (14 in) to 55 cm (22 in) long. As its name implies, it is known for its mainly-white plumage, although some specimens also have dispersed blue feathers. The chicks are black, becoming blue and then white as they age. The bird's bill, frontal shield and legs are red, and it has a claw (or spur) on its wing. It is nearly flightless, but is a poor flier, only flying to escape from some predators. This and its docility makes the bird easy prey for visiting humans, who illegally killed it with weapons such as sharp sticks. The conservation status of the white swamphen is Near Threatened due to some habitat loss and historic poaching, however, thanks to conservationists, the white swamphen have made a comeback.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii