Wikipedia:Today's featured article/requests/Réunion swamphen

Réunion swamphen

 * This is the archived discussion of the TFAR nomination for the article below. Subsequent comments should be made on the appropriate discussion page (such as Wikipedia talk:Today's featured article/requests). Please do not modify this page.

The result was: scheduled for Today's featured article/December 20, 2022 by Wehwalt (talk) 17:53, 8 November 2022 (UTC)



The Réunion swamphen (Porphyrio caerulescens) is a hypothetical extinct species of rail that was endemic to the Mascarene island of Réunion. While only known from 17th–18th century accounts by visitors, it was scientifically named in 1848, based on a 1674 account by Sieur Dubois. The Réunion swamphen was described as entirely blue in plumage with a red beak and legs; the size of a Réunion ibis, which could mean 65 – in length, and it may have been similar to the takahē. While easily hunted, it was a fast runner and able to fly. It may have fed on plant matter and invertebrates, and was said to nest among grasses and aquatic ferns. It was only found on the Plaine des Cafres plateau, to which it may have retreated during the latter part of its existence, whereas other swamphens inhabit lowland swamps. While the last unequivocal account is from 1730, it may have survived until 1763, but overhunting and the introduction of cats probably drove it to extinction.
 * Most recent similar article(s): Red warbler (25 September 2022)
 * Main editors: FunkMonk
 * Promoted: October 23, 2020
 * Reasons for nomination: Fèt Kaf is on this date, Réunion's national day.
 * Support as nominator. Sheila1988 (talk) 19:57, 2 November 2022 (UTC)
 * Support. Gog the Mild (talk) 13:30, 8 November 2022 (UTC)