The Purple Swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio) is a large and stocky bird. It has a big triangular bill red coloured which is topped with a prominent frontal shield of the same colour. Legs vary in colour from red to pinkish-red. Even the colour of the plumage is very variable; dark blue, purple or indigo on the head and body, the back and wings are blackish or greenish. The females are smaller than males.
After the beginning of courtship, the couple begin to build their nest. An interesting feature of this specie is that the females can lay the eggs in the same nest in order to share the commitments of incubation. Each bird can lay 3-6 eggs ranging in colour from yellowish-grey to reddish-suede, covered with reddish-brown spots. A community nest can include up to 12 eggs.