Purple Gallinule (Porphyrio martinica), Granite Basin Lake, Yavapai County

This Purple Gallinule was found and photographed by Carl Tomoff on 17 September 2015 and also photographed by Bryan Patrick on 18 September and by Deborah Rasmussen on 19 September.

Less than annual in Arizona, although some years will have multiple reports. The last record was in 2012. There are 17 accepted records for the state; if accepted, this will be the first record in northern Arizona.

Unmistakable, purple and green colored plumage, tricolored bill and shield, white undertail coverts, big yellow legs and feet. This bird lacks the bright colors on the bill and frontal shield of an adult, indicating it is a one- or two-year-old individual.

17 September 2015, photo by Carl Tomoff

18 September 2015, photo by Bryan Patrick

 

19 September 2015, photo by Deborah Rasmussen

 

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