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Specimen information:

Catalog number: MZB 2005-0381
Scientific name : Porphyrio porphyrio (Linnaeus, 1758)
Common name: Purple Swamphen
Element: Breastbone
Location: Catalunya
Collecting date: 2004 2005
Age: Adult
Acquisition source: CRFS Canal Vell
Acquisition Date: 08/03/2005
Biometrics - Breastbone: Width 63.3mm X Depth 30mm

Information about the species:

Chordata ,Vertebrata ,Aves ,Gruiformes ,Rallidae ,Porphyrio ,Porphyrio porphyrio

Description:

The Purple Swamphen is a rail that feeds mainly on plant matter such as bulbs, fresh shoots and sedges in the wetlands it inhabits. It will sometimes also feed on arthropods and other animals such as snails, fish and lizards. It uses its sturdy conical bill to capture prey, whose exoskeletons it opens with the aid of a raised foot.