Noun: swamphen
- Any of various small aquatic birds of the genus Gallinula distinguished from rails by a frontal shield and a resemblance to domestic hens
"The common swamphen can often be seen swimming in ponds and marshes";
- gallinule, marsh hen, water hen, pukeko [NZ]
Derived forms: swamphens
Type of: aquatic bird
Part of: Gallinula, genus Gallinula
Encyclopedia: Swamphen