Dean M. Chriss
Photography
Purple Gallinule, Evening Marsh
(Click image to enlarge)
Purple gallinules are incredibly colorful birds. They are found in the
southeastern United States, tropical regions of Central America, the Caribbean
and northern South America. Their iridescent feathers glow in varied colors
when they catch bright direct sunlight. These birds build floating nests in
marshes and swamps where they lay 5 to 10 eggs. Their very large feet distribute
their weight, allowing them to stand on lilypads without sinking.