Allen's gallinule (Porphyrio alleni), formerly known as the lesser gallinule, is named after British naval officer Rear-Admiral William Allen (1792–1864, who was involved in fighting the African slave trade. He collected a specimen bird at Idda near the River NIger. Gallinule comes from the Latin word for small hen. Allen's gallinules are secretive, partially migratory wetland birds from sub-Saharan Africa that live in freshwater wetlands like marshes and swamps and riverbanks with thick vegetation, especially water lilies. Its distribution is widespread throughout Africa, from Senegal to South Africa, and it is also found in Madagascar and other nearby islands. Allen's gallinules have large, long-toed feet – the long toes spread out to distribute the bird's weight across soft surfaces, such as floating plants, mud, and water.
© BirdsImageStock