Philippine swamphen is a species of swamphen occurring in the Philippines and in the Talaud Islands, Indonesia. In the Philippines, it is found on Luzon, Mindanao, and other larger islands. Its habitat is dense reedbeds in swamps and wetlands, and fringing vegetation by lakes, ponds and rivers.
Region
Philippines and Talaud Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs throughout suitable wetlands in the Philippines, including Luzon, Mindanao, and several larger islands, and extends to the Talaud Islands of Indonesia. It favors dense reedbeds, marshes, swamps, and vegetated margins of lakes, ponds, and slow-flowing rivers. It also uses rice paddies, ditches, and seasonally flooded fields where cover is available. Birds keep close to emergent vegetation but will venture into open water margins to feed.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The Philippine swamphen is a large rail of marshes and reedbeds, notable for its bright red bill and frontal shield and long reddish legs with sprawling toes for walking on floating vegetation. It often flicks its white undertail coverts while moving through reeds. Birds frequently feed by grasping stems with a foot and stripping them with the bill. It is generally shy in dense cover but can become confiding near rice fields and wetlands with regular human presence.
Temperament
secretive yet often bold near human-altered wetlands
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; reluctant flier with dangling legs
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family parties that keep contact with loud calls from dense cover. Nests are bulky platforms of reeds placed over water or in thick emergent vegetation. Both parents attend the nest, and cooperative breeding with helpers may occur. Territories are defended with visual displays and chasing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud, ringing squawks, grunts, and screams that carry over wetlands. Calls include abrupt kek-kek series and harsh croaks used for contact and alarm. Dawn and dusk are peak calling periods.
