Purple Gallinule

What's a Gallinule? It's a type of a swamp hen (what's a swamp hen?) that is mostly found in the American tropics. Basically, it's a big funny purple chicken. There is a population of them in Florida, which is the northern-most place they dare to go. They come to Florida to breed, and then return to South America for the winter. As the name suggests, it's vivid purple in color, with long yellow legs. As if that was not enough to make it distinctive, it sports is a light blue face shield and a vibrant red/yellow bill - but then you can see for yourself in these pictures!

Despite its apparent heaviness and large size, Purple Gallinule is an expert reed-climber!

Got one!