porphyr1o

[Lat., from Gr. porphyrion an undetermined species of the modern genus. (Cf. Plin. H. N., Χ. 46, 49.)] Ornith.: A genus of Rallide, sub-family Galline, with fourteen species, chiefly Oriental and Australian, but occurring in South America, in Africa, and in the south of Europe. Bill short, strong, high; the base dilated into a flat plate; culmen arched; nostrils large, basal covered by a membrane, naked; feet very large, toes without lateral membrane, claws large and slightly curved. In habits they resemble the Water-hen, but are larger and more stately birds; bill and legs red, general plumage metallic blue.