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American Purple Gallinule

American Purple Gallinule line art illustration (click image to enlarge)

American Purple Gallinule full color illustration (click image to enlarge)

Artist's notes:

The American Purple Gallinule was completed on 3.24.2010. While I'm mostly familiar with the shorebirds from the central part of the US and the California coastline, when I learned about these lovely and colorful birds I had to draw one. The wonderful coloration from the red and yellow beak to the fade from almost a purple to a metallic green is amazing. The drawing is based on a photo by Frank Shufelt.

Information about the American Purple Gallinule:

The American Purple Galliunle is a medium-sized member of Rallidae or more commonly called rails. It is also known as a "swamp hen." The birds have massive feet that help distribute their weight when walking through leafy, swampy areas. These colorful birds are found in swamps, ponds, lagoons and marshes from the southern United States, down through Central America, the Caribbean and into South America. These birds feed on plant matter such as seeds, fruits and leave as well as small animals like frogs, fish and small invertebrates.