PURPLE GALLINULES AT LAKE HOWARD

I was taking pictures in Winter Haven, Fl. at Lake

Howard’s Boat Ramp on January 31, 2011 when I got these images of several different Purple Gallinules (Porphyrio martinica). 

 This bird may also be known as a mud hen, purple mud hen,  purple swamp hen or yellow-legged gallinule. 

Adult Purple Gallinules are a medium-sized bird, with stunning purple-blue plumage. The upper wings are a glossy turquoise-blue with the main body varying from glossy green to a glossy bluish-violet. 

 The under tail has a white triangular shaped covert. The eyes are red with a black pupil. The legs are yellow with long toes to make it easy for the bird to walk on aquatic plants.