Wild Bird Wednesday 577 - Black-Tailed Native-Hen

The Black-Tailed Native-Hen (Tribonyx ventralis) is very closely related to the Tasmanian Native-Hen (Tribonyx mortierii) and shares many behaviours.  However, the Black-Tailed Native-Hen can be found over much of Australia, while the Tasmanian Native-Hen is restricted to (you've guessed it!) Tasmanian.

The Black-Tailed Native-Hen is also not flightless - although its first instinct when stressed is to run, it can fly well.  In fact, after good breeding seasons this species can fly long distances and arrive in large numbers in locations a long way from their breeding sites.

I found this bird - which may have just been a single bird - in the Point Cook wetlands, and although it never came close to me, I was able to get some decent enough images.  High mega-pixel cameras to the rescue once more.

The Black-Tailed Native-Hen is a large dark bird, reaching about 38 cm in length and weighing around 400 g (0.88 lb). It has an erect tail and almost entirely brownish-grey and green feathers. Its long legs and lower bill are a pink-orange colour, while the upper bill is (sort of) apple green.

Hope everyone is well.  

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