The Allen’s gallinule (Porphyrio alleni), formerly known as the lesser gallinule is a small waterbird of the family Rallidae. Its former binomial name is Porphyrula alleni.
Visual Traits:
The Allen’s Gallinule are similar in size to the only slightly larger water rail. The Allen’s gallinule has a short red bill, greenish back, and purple upperparts. They have red legs with long toes, and a short tail which is white with a dark central bar underneath. Breeding males have a blue frontal shield, which is green in the female. Immature Allen’s gallinules are sandy brown with a buff undertail. The downy chicks are black, as with all rails.
Location and Ecosystem:
Remarkably, this apparently weakly flying bird is not only the only species with a purely sub-Saharan African range to have reached Great Britain, but has done so twice. It has also occurred as a vagrant in several other European countries.
Behavioral Traits:
These birds probe with their bill in mud or shallow water, also picking up food by sight. They nod their heads as they swim.
Breeding:
Allen’s gallinules are very secretive in the breeding season, particularly in the dense swamps they favor, and are mostly heard rather than seen. Its breeding habitat is marshes and lakes in sub-Saharan Africa. They build a floating nest in marshes and swamps, laying 2-5 eggs
Diet: The Allen’s Gallinule mainly eat insects. In captivity: Paradise Earth Premium Dried Insect Blend and Dried Crickets.