The Grey-headed swamphen (Porphyrio poliocephalus) was formerly known as the Purple Swamphen – poliocephalus meaning literally grey-headed. It used to be considered a subspecies of the purple swamphen, but was elevated to full species status in 2015. It occurs from the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent to southern China and northern Thailand. The male has an elaborate courtship display, holding water weeds in his bill and bowing to the female with loud chuckles.
