Australasian Swamphen
Porphyrio melanotus
Western Treatment Plant, Werribee, S Vic IMG_1488 20190430 - melanotus adult. CLICK to see another there 20220416.
Notes: Nominate ssp melanotus: a blue & black waterhen w. huge red bill & forehead shield.
Has large pinkish feet & white undertail coverts which it flicks up & down when walking.
Ssp bellus has iridescent paler cobalt blue cheeks, foreneck, centre of breast. Occurs in a wide
variety of wetland habitats and is a common sight in urban parks.
Range from Morcombe & Stewart©(modified)
Urangan, Hervy Bay, SE Qld IMG_6456 20190715 - melanotus adult.
Nannup, SW WA IMG_4576 20220529 - melanotus adult
Edithvale Wetlands, S Vic IMG_9655 20191006 - melanotus adult.
Urangan, Hervy Bay, SE Qld IMG_6545 20190715 - melanotus adult & older chick.
Karkarook Park, Melbourne, S Vic IMG_1481 20171111 - melanotus chick.
Nannup, SW WA IMG_8716 20181022 - bellus adult: iridescent paler cobalt blue cheeks, foreneck, centre of breast.CLICK for another pic.
Yanchep NP, Wanneroo, SW WA IMG_7335 20181012 - bellus adult: iridescent paler cobalt blue cheeks, foreneck, centre of breast.
Braeside Park, Melbourne, S Vic IMG_6221 20200131 - melanotus adult.
Edithvale Wetlands, S Vic IMG_6308+6309 20200202 - melanotus adult.
Yanchep NP, Wanneroo, SW WA MVI_7340 20181012 - bellus adult & chick.