The spot-flanked gallinule is a species of bird in the family Rallidae. It is monotypic in the genus Porphyriops. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay. Its natural habitats are swamps and freshwater lakes, but it is able to survive in properly managed artificial ponds. Its population has declined significantly in recent decades.
Region
South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from Colombia south through Bolivia and Brazil to Paraguay, Uruguay, Chile, and Argentina, favoring lowland to montane freshwater wetlands. It inhabits marshes, reedy lake margins, oxbow lakes, and slow backwaters with emergent vegetation. The species also uses artificial ponds, irrigation canals, and rice paddies when cover is adequate. It is generally patchy, concentrating where dense sedges, cattails, or rushes border open water.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2800 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 3/5
This monotypic gallinule often flicks its short tail, flashing white undertail coverts as it slips through reeds. It adapts well to human-made wetlands such as farm ponds and rice fields when emergent vegetation is present. Nests are usually floating platforms hidden in dense marsh plants, and both parents share incubation. Although still fairly widespread, habitat loss and wetland degradation are causing declines in parts of its range.
Adult P.m. bogotensis
Porphyriops melanops in natural habitat
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs, skulking through dense emergent vegetation and rarely venturing far into open water. Breeds in concealed sites, building floating or semi-floating nests of plant material. Both sexes incubate and tend precocial chicks, which quickly follow adults through cover.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations include sharp kek and kek-kek series and whistled, clucking notes given from cover, especially at dawn and dusk. Calls can carry over marshes but are delivered intermittently, making detection easier by ear than by sight.
