Purple Gallinule

Porphyrio martinica

A walking rainbow of the marshes, the Purple Gallinule combines deep purple-blue plumage, a green back, sky-blue frontal shield, red-and-yellow bill, and long yellow legs. Found in freshwater wetlands from the southeastern U.S. to Argentina, it walks across lily pads with ease. Despite its clumsy appearance, it is a surprisingly strong flier and occasional long-distance wanderer.