Purple Swamphen song and calls

Birdsong and calls are often the easiest way to identify the Purple Swamphen, especially when the bird is hidden in dense foliage. Below is what to listen for.

Song

Not a true songbird. Its vocalizations are primarily calls.

Calls

A wide repertoire of loud, harsh, and often explosive calls. Common calls include a loud, far-carrying 'krr-owk' or 'krr-ark', a sharp 'kek-kek-kek', and various grunts, squeals, and clucking sounds. Alarm calls are typically sharper and more insistent. Often vocalizes at dawn and dusk.

When they vocalize

Most vocal during the breeding season, particularly at dawn and dusk, and when disturbed or interacting with other swamphens.

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