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.

From The Guardian