Black-tailed Native-hen.
Photo: K Vang and W Dabrowka © Bird Explorers
Black-tailed Native-hen.
Photo: K Vang and W Dabrowka © Bird Explorers
Distribution map of Gallinula ventralis
Map © Birds Australia Birdata
Black-tailed Native-hen
Scientific name: Gallinula ventralis
Family: Rallidae
Order: Gruiformes
- Featured Bird Groups
- Water birds
What does it look like?
Description
The Black-tailed Native-hen is a large, stout, dark, fleet-footed rail with an erect narrow black tail which is held folded. The bird is mainly brownish-grey, with white spots on the flanks. The bill and frontal shield is green, with an orange-red lower mandible ('jaw'). Legs and feet are bright pink. The eye is bright yellow. They are seen in pairs, parties and sometimes large groups.
Similar species
The Black-tailed Native-hen is similar in size and shape to the Dusky Moorhen, G. tenebrosa, but has a more upright stance. The Dusky Moorhen has a white undertail, a red frontal shield and a yelllow-tipped red bill and yellow legs.
Where does it live?
Distribution
The Black-tailed Native-hen is widespread throughout mainland Australia and vagrant in Tasmania and New Zealand.
Habitat
The Black-tailed Native-hen is found near permanent or ephemeral terrestrial wetlands in low rainfall areas, in both fresh or brackish water.
Seasonal movements
The Black-tailed Native-hen is dispersive, with regular seasonal movements. Numbers may occasionally irrupt, determined by seasonal conditions and they may then use many habitats. Large numbers of Black-tailed Native-hens may arrive in an area then just as suddenly disappear again.
What does it do?
Feeding
The Black-tailed Native-hen eats seeds, plant material and insects. It feeds on open ground near wetlands or at the edge of water and often feeds by running, then stopping, to stir up insects.
Breeding
The Black-tailed Native-hen usually breeds near water in swamps, rank grasses or lignum. It is adapted to breeding rapidly when conditions are favourable. It makes a cup-shaped nest of stalks, twigs and leaves, lined with grasses and feathers. The downy young are greenish-black. Little is known about the behaviour of young birds.
Living with us
Living with humans
Black-tailed Native-hens are secure in Australia and may occur near urban areas and golf courses, especially when irrupting. Large numbers of birds may cause crop damage.
References
Marchant, S. and Higgins, P.J. (eds) 1993. Handbook of Australian New Zealand And Antartic Birds Vol. 2: (Raptors To Lapwings). Oxford University Press, Melbourne.
Pringle, J.D. 1985. The Waterbirds of Australia. Angus and Robertson/National Photographic Index of Australian Wildlife, Sydney.
Morcombe, M. 2000. Field guide to Australian Birds. Steve Parish Publishing.
Beruldsen, G 2003. Australian Birds: Their Nests and Eggs. Self-published, Queensland.