Specimen of the Month: American Purple Gallinule

By guest contributor and Summer Naturalist Intern, Olivia Rataezyk

Who is this?

The American Purple Gallinule (Porpyrio martinicus) is a small marsh bird found across the American southeast. They have massive toes that help them wander across the water lilies and floating vegetation that makes up their habitat and diet. On top of aquatic plants like members of the water lily family, they also eat insects, mollusks, frogs, and eggs. 

But wait, why is it here?

Though they are generally found in the southeast region of the United States, American Purple Gallinules travel outside of their range surprisingly often. They are excellent fliers and have been spotted not only throughout the United States but on other continents, such as Europe. This may either be accidental or the result of birds seeking food. This bird was found in Duluth, MN.

Read more about the American Purple Gallinule and the unique backstory of this specimen in past blog posts - Specimen of the Month: Mapping Vagrancy and Gulf Coast Escape.