Purple Gallinule (Porphyrio martinica), Sweetwater Wetlands, Pima County

This immature Purple Gallinule was discovered and photographed by Philip Kline on 27 August 2008 at Sweetwater Wetlands.  Purple Gallinule is casual in Arizona with about 10 previous records, including a couple at Sweetwater. 

The combination of red bill, green wings, yellow legs and pale brown head and neck are diagnostic for Purple Gallinule.  In other views, Philip also noted the pure white undertail coverts. 

27 August 2008, photo by Philip Kline