Purple Swamphens

Similar and closely related to moorhens though moorhens in their size do lack
With large red bills, red frontal head shields, pink legs and mostly purple and black
Eastern or purple swamphens either name to them does apply
And their long legs do dangle when they choose to fly

Within their range often seen grazing by ponds and lakes in towns and the countryside
And when threatened or feeling endangered they run or fly to the water reeds to hide
Of human beings they are wary though not all that shy
And their is a harshness in their loud alarm cry

On raised platforms of flags and grass in water reeds the female bird lay
Three to five green pink dotted eggs from sight of predators well hidden away
The dark lanky young with their long legs and long claws make for an ungainly sight
And their parents to defend them even put bigger birds to flight

Birds seen in wetlands and near lakes and ponds grazing every day
And as they walk their tails flick distinct in their behaviour and way
They live mostly in north east to south east Australia but not Australia wide
By ponds and by lakes in towns and the countryside.