Black-tailed Native-hen

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Black-tailed Native-hen

Conservation status
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
Range in blue

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

Contents

[edit] Description

The Black-tailed Native-hen is a large dark bird, reaching about 38cm in length and weighing around 400g. 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. This species is not excessively vocal, its main call is an alarm 'kak' sound.

[edit] Habitat

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

[edit] Distribution

The Black-tailed Native-hen 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.

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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
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