#258Huge Invasive Hen
I thought I was seeing a Purple Gallinule on steroids, but the color was slightly off and the red forehead shield was more like the less colorful Common Gallinule. A park volunteer identified it as yet another Florida invasive species, the Gray-headed Swamp Hen (from Asia).
According to the Cornell Lab ("All About Birds"), this large, aggressive rail "escaped" captivity and has expanded its range beyond the south of Florida. In 2006-2008, 3187 swamp hens were culled by various Florida agencies, but it had no apparent effect on the population.
I photographed swamp hens in two locations, this one at Celery Fields, another at Wakodahatchee Wetlands, Florida.
Life Bird Photograph #258
#258Huge Invasive Hen
I thought I was seeing a Purple Gallinule on steroids, but the color was slightly off and the red forehead shield was more like the less colorful Common Gallinule. A park volunteer identified it as yet another Florida invasive species, the Gray-headed Swamp Hen (from Asia).
According to the Cornell Lab ("All About Birds"), this large, aggressive rail "escaped" captivity and has expanded its range beyond the south of Florida. In 2006-2008, 3187 swamp hens were culled by various Florida agencies, but it had no apparent effect on the population.
I photographed swamp hens in two locations, this one at Celery Fields, another at Wakodahatchee Wetlands, Florida.
Life Bird Photograph #258