Family: Rallidae, Rails, Gallinules, Coots view all from this family

Description ADULT Has mostly deep bluish purple head, neck, and underparts, and green back and wing coverts. Note the entirely white undertail coverts. Legs are yellow, eye is red, and bill is red with yellow tip; note the pale blue frontal shield. JUVENILE Has mostly warm orange-buff head, neck, and flanks, white underparts including undertail coverts, and grayish green back and wing coverts. Bill and legs are dull brown.

Dimensions Length: 11-13" (28-33 cm)

Habitat Locally common in freshwater wetlands with dense vegetation. Present in breeding range mainly May-Sep, but present year-round in southern half of Florida. Much more widespread in Central America.

Observation Tips Easy to see in Florida's Everglades.

Range Texas, Southeast, Southwest, Plains, Florida

Voice Utters various shrill squeaks and cackles.

Discussion Colorful, plump-bodied wetland bird whose very long toes allow it to walk on floating vegetation. Swims well, but also clambers through vegetation. Sexes are similar.