Black-tailed Native-hen

Images ©:
©Bob Winters

Tribonyx ventralis

Large rail, up to 38 cm. Brownish-grey plumage. White spots on the flanks. Bill and frontal shield is green. Orange-red lower jaw. Legs and feet are bright pink. Eyes are bright yellow. They are seen in pairs, parties and sometimes large groups.

Details
Type
Bird
Group
Animals
Rail
Biology

Breeding season: August to December, and in response to rain. Clutch size is five to seven. Usually breeds near water and breeds rapidly when conditions are favourable. Nest is cup-shape, made from stalks, twigs and leaves and lined with grasses and feathers.
Distinctive Markings

Erect narrow black tail which is held folded.
Taxonomy
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Gruiformes
Family
Rallidae
Genus
Tribonyx
Species
ventralis

Source: Atlas of Living Australia

The Black-tailed Native-hen is nomadic, taking advantage of temporary wetlands. When breeding conditions are good, large numbers of birds may suddenly arrive in an area, breed and then disappear again.

Interesting Facts
Diet

Omnivore. Feeds on seeds, plant material and insects.
Habitat

Found near permanent or ephemeral terrestrial wetlands in low rainfall areas, in both fresh and brackish waters.
Native Status
Native to Australia
Audio
Sounds
Usually silent, with a single sharp alarm call "kak".