Porphyrula martinica

Very colorful; swims, wades, and climbs bushes. Note the rather henlike red bill with yellow tip, head and underparts deep violet-purple, back bronzy green, pale blue forehead shield, and white band on the flanks. Legs yellow, conspicuous in flight. Immature: drab, dark above, pale below; no side stripe; bill dark. When walking, it flirts white undertail coverts; when swimming, pumps head.

Voice - A henlike cackling kek, kek, kek, given when flying; also guttural notes.

Range - Southeastern US to Argentina. Winters mainly south of the US.

Habitat - Fresh swamps, marshes, ponds.