This bird is also known as the Purple Gallinule and can be found in Asia, Africa and Europe (but shouldn't be confused with the American Purple Galline, P. martinica). There are 6 recognised sub-species, and the Australian bird is P. p. melanotus. It is the largest of the world's rails, being chicken sized. It is found in warm reedbed habitats but tend to feed at lake edges and on wet pastures.
