Western Swamphen

Habitat: The Western Swamphen inhabits impenetrable reed beds in freshwater and brackish lakes. It is found in deep water, where it climbs among the reeds, but also in shallow water, where it can wade. Occasionally, it also visits flooded rice fields. It can be seen at the edge of small pools amongst the reeds.

Appearance: In Europe, it is found in Spain, Portugal, the Camargue in southern France and Sardinia.

Breeding season: Spring – early summer. Both parents build a simple nest of reed leaves in dense vegetation, preferably amongst broken reeds. In lakes, the nest is situated just above the water’s surface; in waters with fluctuating water levels, it is built above the high-water mark. 3–9 eggs.

Characteristics: Length 38–50 cm, wingspan 90–100 cm, weight 700–800 g, lifespan 9 years.

Food: Predominantly plant-based, such as seeds, stems and roots of aquatic plants. Western Swamphens climb into rice stalks to eat the grains, using their long toes to grasp a tuft of stalks. They also eat frogs, eggs and the young of other birds, etc.