Animals

Breeds August-January in southern Australia. A gregarious species, spending much of the time in flocks. Eggs are laid in tree hollows that are prepared by both sexes. Both birds incubate and care for the chicks. Chicks remain with the parents all year round. Family groups will stay together indefinitely.

Breeding season: autumn and spring. Females lay 560-935 pigmented eggs within long jelly strings around submerged vegetation.

Breeding season is most commonly spring through to early summer although it is dependent on rainfall. These birds nest on the ground under tussock grasses. Outside the breeding season they tend to form small groups. In the breeding season they form monogamous pairs. Clutch size is between 7 and 14 eggs. Incubation is for 18-21 days. Both sexes guard and care for the young until they are about 6 weeks old.

Breeding season: late winter to early spring. Females may lay pigmented or unpigmented eggs within a foam raft, hidden in aquatic vegetation.

Diurnal. Oviparous (egg laying) generally producing 2 eggs during spring/summer.

Breeding season is from July to December in southern parts of Australiia. Often breeds throughout the year after heavy rain. Breeding occurs in colonies with other species including Australian Ibis, egrets and spoonbills. Builds a large, rough platform on dense reed beds. Three to five dull, off-white eggs are laid. Both sexes incubate and feed the young. Incubation period lasts 20-25 days. Young fly at 30-40 days.

This species has a one year life cycle. Eggs are laid in the soil. Nymphs hatch from November through to February. Immature adults are found in autumn and winter.

Breeding season: autumn, spring-summer. Females lay 80-1500 pigmented eggs within a floating foam mass.

Breeding season: late summer to autumn after heavy rainfall. Females lay 70-170 pigmented eggs in loose clumps, often coated in soil in a shallow burrow constructed by the male. The burrows will become flooded with winter rain. Males guard the eggs. A ground dwelling species which tends to walk rather than hop.

Viviparous (live young). Females give birth to a maximum of 8 live young late in summer. Active by day. Males change colour during the mating season.