purple gallinule

American  

noun

1. a purple, blue, green, and white gallinule, Porphyrula martinica, inhabiting warmer areas of the New World, having a bright red, yellow, and blue bill, and lemon-yellow legs and feet.

2. any of several large, Old World gallinules of the genus Porphyrio.

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purple gallinule British  

noun

1. a long-toed purple aquatic bird, Porphyrio porphyrio (or Porphyrula martinica ), of the southern US and Europe, with red legs and red bill: family Rallidae (rails, etc)

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Etymology

Origin of purple gallinule

An Americanism dating back to 1805–15

Example Sentences

Elaine, who visited the Everglades occasionally when she lived in Miami, knows a purple gallinule when she sees one.

From New York Times

There are more than 360 species of birds, including the great blue heron and the diminutive green variety, purple gallinules and roseate spoonbills, the white ibis and the black skimmer.

From Seattle Times

Wild yellow irises bloomed amid the marsh grass in this tranquil oasis, and umbrella pines gave shade, while glossy ibis, coots and purple gallinule chattered and splashed in the pond.

From New York Times

Among the cat victims were mourning doves, blue jays, cottontail rabbits, southern flying squirrels and rarer animals, such as purple gallinules, a kind of water bird.

From Washington Post

The daily bag limit for common and purple gallinules is 15 singly or in aggregate, and possession limit is 45 singly or in aggregate.

From Washington Times