Purple Swamp Hen

Also known locally as the Pukeko, African Purple Swamphen, Purple Moorhen.
This chicken size bird with its huge feet, bring plumage, red bill and frontal shield is easily recognisible in its native range.
But there are 13 or more subspecies of Purple Swamphen.
The species prefers wet areas with high rainfall, swamps, lake edges and dump pastures.
The birds often lives in pairs and larger comunities.
It clambers trough the reeds, eating the tender shots and vegetables like matter. They have been known to eat eggs, duckling and small fish.
They use one of its huge foot to bring food to their mouth.

Photos taken 1,2,3, Tomato lake, Perth W.A.