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Recordings
Scientific Name
Porphyrio porphyrio
Arabic Name
دجاجة السلطان
Kuwaiti name
دجاجة الماء
Family
Width
100.0 cm
Length
50.0 cm
Information
A scarce resident, localized breeder in a few reed swamps. A spectacular rooster-like bird. It requires flooded reed beds and is very susceptible to human disturbance. In many parts of its range it has declined due to indiscriminate shooting and habitat loss.
Where in Kuwait
Despite it's size it is a secretive and skulking species found in reed cover around brackish pools in the Jahra area and in favourable conditions has bred in these areas. Unlike Crakes, its diet consists predominantly of plant matter including shoots, leaves, roots, stems, flowers and seeds.
In the world
This species has an extremely large range and is is sedentary, nomadic or partially migratory, with many populations making local seasonal movements in response to changing habitat conditions. There is fair degree of variation between the continental forms of porphyrio (with the race pulverulentus the most distinct), a detailed analysis of character differences is required to determine levels of distinctiveness and variation. Pending such studies, porphyrio is retained as a single polytypic species.
Local threats
Wetland degradation, habitat loss and inconsistent and fluctuating water levels.