Genus Porphyrula, also known as the "purple swamphen," is a group of birds that belong to the family Rallidae. Some of the synonyms for this species include Porphyrio porphyrio, Porphyrio poliocephalus, and Porphyrio melanotus. Other names used to refer to this bird include the purple gallinule, purple coot, and purple moorhen. These birds are found mainly in the wetlands of Europe, Africa, and Asia, and are known for their brightly colored feathers, which vary from purple to blue and green. They are omnivores, feeding on a variety of plants, insects, and small animals, and are known for their loud calls and territorial behavior.