There are 12 endemic species found in (and only in) Tasmania. One of these is the Tasmanian Native-hen (Tribonyx mortierii). This bird is a large, flightless rail, and it used to be classified into the genus Gallinula, along with birds such as the Moorhen. However, the tides of taxonomy have moved into a much smaller genus - which contains only one other living species.
It tells you a good deal about these birds that one of their common names is the "Turbo-Chook". They are fast moving, noisy and often seem to be of ill temper with member of their own species, and the world in general.
I actually found them hard to photograph, and saw daily saw them on verges by the side of the road as I was going past, heading somewhere else. On our last day in Tasmania I found some in that same habitat, and having a bit of time to waste while I waited for the ferry home I photographed them.
I rather like the urban background to these images.
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It tells you a good deal about these birds that one of their common names is the "Turbo-Chook". They are fast moving, noisy and often seem to be of ill temper with member of their own species, and the world in general.
I actually found them hard to photograph, and saw daily saw them on verges by the side of the road as I was going past, heading somewhere else. On our last day in Tasmania I found some in that same habitat, and having a bit of time to waste while I waited for the ferry home I photographed them.
I rather like the urban background to these images.
They sound like our chickens..Wonderful pictures of them..It looks like they are confined by a chain linked fence...Happy Wednesday..Tuesday here
ReplyDeleteHello, great shots of the Native-hen! It does look like the Moorhen! Enjoy your day and week ahead!
ReplyDeleteIt has big feet! A noble looking bird!
ReplyDeleteVery unique looking birds! This one kinda looks like an ill-tempered prison guard.
ReplyDeletea proud looking bird very different from those I did see in Queensland :)
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteThe very epitome of Angry Birds??? &*> cute all the same. YAM xx
Looks like a chicken in a cage!
ReplyDeleteHello Stewart!:) You native hen does have an angry look about him, but I like his upturned tail feathers, and his face although dark, reminds me of Corncrake.
ReplyDeleteCorrection, not YOUR Native hen, the Tasmanian Native hen!!!:)
ReplyDeleteInteresting post, I did not know that these birds existed! Yes the background is quite effective :-) Cheers Diane
ReplyDeleteWe could just as well call our invasive Swamphens "Turbo-Gallinules," as it is common to say they look like Purple Gallinules on steroids! No blue butt from Linky today, but will try to get back later to post a photo.
ReplyDeleteHandsome looking boys. Could hold their own in a bar fight I thinks.
ReplyDeleteNice hen. Definitely has a devilish look. Glad to have a bird in order to hook up with WBW. It's been awhile.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting!
ReplyDeleteOh my, what big feet you have my dear ... and is the beak really green or are my eyes going bad. What fun, you must have had on this trip. This a good start for sharing your pictures. An ill-tempered bird, hmmmm ... not sure I have run across such a thing. Sorry you are back behind the desk ... your future holds more such trips, I hope :)
ReplyDeleteAndrea @ From the Sol
This is a new bird for me. Interesting. Looks a little grumpy, yet a fine looking specimen.
ReplyDeleteHi Stewart, what a beautiful bird. Thanks for sharing. And thanks for hosting this meme. I've linked up my contribution.Greetings Jo
ReplyDeleteGreat photos!
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting this fun meme
Stewart, interesting bird. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYou're right about the bird being grumpy - he looks none too pleased about you taking his picture! :)
ReplyDeleteMy goodnesss, they look mad. I guess the red eyes don't help much either! Thanks for hosting!
ReplyDeleteThey are actually lovely birds. I think it's amusing that they seem to be in a bad mood with everyone around them. Perhaps there's something about beautiful Tasmania that gives rise to Tasmanian Devils and Tasmanian Tigers and these Angry Birds! :-)
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting looking bird.
ReplyDeleteI love the name Turbo-Chook!
ReplyDeleteWonderful that you could finally get some photos. I loved learning the fun facts about the birds too.
ReplyDeleteFunny to read about their cranky personality.... what an unusual bird in so many ways!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely a grouchy face, to match the grouchy demeanor.
ReplyDelete