Australian (Purple) Swamphen

Frequents lakes rivers and swamps including estuarine habitats. Common in urban wetlands. Forages in and adjacent to water, especially reed beds. Consumes a variety of plant material, principally succulent bases to reed and ruch stems which it cuts and strips and with its hige bill befores grasping in foot to eat. Common and widespread. Issues 5-10 loud, far-carrying and well spaced shrieks as well as numerous other calls similar pitch and tone.