Purple gallinules 101

Purple gallinules breed spring and summer in freshwater marshes along Gulf Coast and Atlantic Coast to South Carolina. Common in Texas from Freeport to Sabine Pass. Eats aquatic vegetation like water lily flowers and fruits plus invasive plants, such as water hyacinth and hydrilla, and, occasionally, amphibians like frogs.

Breeds in variety of freshwater habitats, including rice fields and inland lakes with tall vegetation along shorelines.

Look for them at Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge near Anahuac off FM 1985 — drive refuge tour-loop road around Shoveler Pond.

Other places include Brazoria and San Bernard National Wildlife Refuges near Freeport.