Purple Gallinule

Male Purple Gallinule walking among the aquatic vegetation
Purple Gallinule, Red Slough WMA, Idabel, OK, September 12, 2022
Canon EOS R5 with Canon 100-500 mm L-series lens with 1.4x Teleconverter; 700 mm; ISO-3200; f/11; 1/800 sec.

This page is for the Purple Gallinule (Porphyrio martinica). Along with it cousin the Common Gallinule, this bird is rare in this area. In fact, the typical range of the Purple Gallinule does not include Oklahoma, but it does get close to the southeast corner. I am happy they decided to come on over and spend some time at the WMA.

Female Purple Gallinule walking among the aquatic vegetation with it wings raised as if it wants to take flight.
Purple Gallinule, Red Slough WMA, Idabel, OK, September 12, 2022
Canon EOS R5 with Canon 100-500 mm L-series lens with 1.4x Teleconverter; 700 mm; ISO-2000; f/10; 1/800 sec.
Purple Gallinule perched on some tall grass.
Purple Gallinule, Smith Oaks Sanctuary, High Island, TX, April 19, 2025
Canon EOS R5 with Canon 100-500 mm L-series lens with 1.4x teleconverter; 700 mm; ISO-4000; f/10; 1/1000 sec.
Purple Gallinule perched in a reed.
Purple Gallinule, Lake Apopka Laughlin Rd, FL, July 25, 2025
Canon EOS R5 with Canon 100-500 mm L-series lens with 1.4x teleconverter; 700 mm; ISO 800; f/11; 1/1000 sec.