Black-tailed Nativehen

Overview

The black-tailed nativehen (Tribonyx ventralis) is a large rail species native to Australia. It is a common bird that moves in a nomadic fashion to follow seasonal water sources. The species is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• A large bird reaching approximately 38 cm in length and weighing around 400 g, with an erect tail.
• Plumage is predominantly brownish-grey and green, contrasting with bright orange eyes and striking pink-orange legs and lower jaw.
• Behaviour is social and reminiscent of domestic hens, often seen in small flocks on the ground.
• Not excessively vocal, with a primary alarm call described as a 'kak' sound.

Habitat

This species is nomadic and is found year-round near both fresh and brackish water sources. It is common throughout Australia, utilising both permanent and intermittent water bodies, and has an estimated global extent of occurrence between 1,000,000 and 10,000,000 km2. It is an occasional visitor to Tasmania and a rare vagrant to New Zealand.

Diet

The diet consists of insects, plant material, and seeds. In farming areas, the species is capable of causing crop damage.

Did you know?

The bird's erect tail and social behaviour are explicitly described as being reminiscent of domestic hens. It occasionally appears as a rare vagrant in New Zealand.