A tropical bird that usually flutters across South America and the southern tip of Florida suddenly appeared in a New Bedford backyard, startling locals and wildlife officials alike.
Species Overview
The purple gallinule is a tropical bird that is not found among the more than 300 species that call Massachusetts home. It is noted for its bright colors and long toes that enable it to walk on lily pads and wade through marshy landscapes, according to Audubon.
Unusual Arrival
Over the weekend, one of these striking birds was discovered far from its native range, in a New Bedford woman’s backyard. A post to social media on Saturday by the New England Wildlife Center announced the “rare visitor” and suggested it may have been blown off course in high winds.
Center’s Response
“It is not unheard of for southern birds to show up in Massachusetts from time to time,” the New England Wildlife Center wrote. “During periods of strong storm systems and shifting low pressure, these birds can get pushed off course and carried north along the coast.”
Past Occurrence
The center noted that a purple gallinule was also spotted in Massachusetts back in 2010 “under similar circumstances.”
Current Condition
The purple gallinule that turned up in New Bedford is significantly underweight, but doesn’t appear to have any broken bones or glaring injuries. Its health status is being closely monitored.
Care Plan
“Our first priority is getting him healthy,” the New England Wildlife Center said. “If he continues to do well, we will work closely with our partners at MassWildlife to determine the best path forward to make sure he can ultimately get back where he belongs.”
Key Takeaways
- A tropical purple gallinule was found in a New Bedford backyard after high winds displaced it.
- The New England Wildlife Center is providing care and has partnered with MassWildlife for the bird’s future.
- A similar event occurred in Massachusetts in 2010 under comparable conditions.
The sighting underscores how weather events can move wildlife beyond their usual ranges, and the coordinated response by local wildlife organizations aims to help the bird recover and, if possible, return to its natural habitat.
