• Source: Black-tailed nativehen

The black-tailed nativehen (Tribonyx ventralis) is a rail native to Australia.




Description


The black-tailed nativehen is a large dark bird, reaching about 38 cm in length and weighing around 400 g (0.88 lb). This species possesses an erect tail and is endowed almost entirely with brownish-grey and green feathers. Its long legs and lower jaw are a striking pink-orange colour, as well as its eyes which are more of a bright orange colour. This species is not excessively vocal, its main call is an alarm 'kak' sound. They become noticeable when they are seen in small flocks on the ground. Their erect tails and social behaviour are reminiscent of domestic hens.




Habitat


This species is nomadic, following seasonal water sources. It is found year-round living near fresh and brackish water.




Distribution


The black-tailed nativehen is common throughout Australia, where it lives by permanent as well as intermittent water sources. It has a large range, with an estimated global extent of occurrence of 1,000,000–10,000,000 km2. It is classified as Least Concern by IUCN. It is a rare vagrant to New Zealand, and occasional to Tasmania.




Reproduction


Breeding generally takes place between August and December or when conditions are favourable. A cup-shaped nest is built in vegetation near water or swampland. 5–7 pale green eggs are laid and incubated for approximately 20 days.




Diet


This species' diet consists of insects, plant material and seeds. In farming areas, the black-tailed nativehen is capable of causing crop damage.




References



Birds in Backyards – Black-tailed Native-hen Archived 2018-03-28 at the Wayback Machine
BirdLife International (2006) Species factsheet: Gallinula ventralis. Downloaded from [1] on 5/5/2007
Pizzey, Graham. (1980) A Field Guide to the Birds of Australia. Sydney: William Collins Pty Ltd. ISBN 0-7322-2436-5

Kata Kunci Pencarian:

• Black-tailed nativehen
• List of birds by common name
• List of birds of Australia, New Zealand and Antarctica
• List of birds of Tasmania
• List of birds of the Northern Territory
• Tasmanian nativehen
• List of birds of Queensland
• List of least concern birds
• List of rail species
• List of birds of New South Wales