During the nineteenth century, it is estimated that around 1,500 of these graceful birds were killed in Sicily each year, particularly in the coastal marshlands in the southeastern regions of the island. Into the twentieth century, birds hunted near Lentini were often sold at market in Catania as though they were chicken or partridge. Now a protected species, the Purple Swamp Hen is being introduced in three reserves --Biviere di Gela, Foce del Simeto and Saline di Siracusa. With birds raised on a Spanish wildlife preserve near Valencia, the Italian government is sponsoring the programme through two agencies, the Italian Bird Protection League (LIPU) and the National Institute for Wild Fauna (INFS). The only other Italian region where this species flourishes today is Sardinia. Isola delle Femmine and other Sicilian coastal preserves will be considered for future nesting places.

The chicks have dark plumage --almost black-- and young birds often stay with their parents for two years before flying off to nest. The adult birds sometimes migrate to other coastal marshes.

The Purple Swamp Hen project is an ambitious one representing a serious attempt to reclaim Sicily's marshlands in all their natural biodiversity. It's part of a larger Western Mediterranean movement to preserve this unique bird in its natural environment. This effort coincides with similar programmes in Portugal and several Spanish coastal Islands. Whether these initial efforts take flight remains to be seen, but they're off to a good beginning.

About the Author: Vincenzo Mormino is active in wildlife preservation throughout Sicily. This is his first article for Best of Sicily.