swamphen

[swomp-hen]

noun

Ornithology.

1. any of several large Old World gallinules varying from purple to white, all possibly belonging to the single species Porphyrio porphyrio.

Word History and Origins

Origin of swamphen¹

swamp + hen

Example Sentences

The cull of pukeko – a native swamphen that is found in vast numbers across the country – was organised because of the damage they cause to the nests and eggs of threatened species.

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