Purple Gallinule

As it bobs its way through wetlands, its enormous toes allowing it to walk on top of lily pads, this strange chicken-like bird glitters and gleams. While the Purple Gallinule, Porphyrio martinicus, does look rather strange with its huge feet and candy-corn beak, there is a simultaneous beauty in the bird whose iridescent feathers contain so much color they mimic the wonder of the night sky.

© Christina Baal 2017