Black-tailed Nativehen

Black-tailed Native-hen
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Gruiformes
Family:	Rallidae
Genus:	Gallinula
Species:	G. ventralis
Binomial name
Gallinula ventralis Gould, 1837
Range in blue

The Black-tailed Nativehen, (Gallinula ventralis), is a rail native to Australia and New Zealand.

Description

The Black-tailed Nativehen is a large dark bird, reaching about 38 cm in length and weighing around 400g which is close to the weight of a soccer ball. This species possesses an erect tail and is endowed almost entirely in 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.

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.

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 Native-hen is capable of causing crop damage.

References

• Birds in Backyards - Black-tailed Native-hen [1]
• BirdLife International (2006) Species factsheet: Gallinula ventralis. Downloaded from [2] on 5/5/2007
• Pizzey, Graham. (1980) A Field Guide to the Birds of Australia. Sydney: William Collins Pty Ltd. ISBN 0732224365