For most of us the Purple Swamphen is a familiar sight. They are abundant in parklands and by our waterways, foraging in reeds for soft shoots, frogs and snails. Not all that remarkable.
WRONG!!!
Did you know the Purple Swamphen has been around since the 3rd Century? In fact, Aristotle included it in a survey of animals back in 350 B.C.E!
To learn more, head to Jim Butler’s Feather Fascination April 2019.
Footnote: Perhaps the longevity of the Purple Swamphen is due in part to its initiative!
We came across an Australian Geographic article which describes the bird’s ingenious and deliberate way of dissecting cane toads to avoid the toxin when enjoying a cane toad meal.
Click here to read more: Don’t under estimate a Swamphen
Photo © Ed Frazer
