Black-tailed Nativehen
Tribonyx ventralis
Small waterhen with an erect black tail (no white edges) resembling that of a domestic chicken. Note pale green base to the bill with a yellow tip and a red spot, bright red-pink legs, and pale spots on flanks. Frequents locations around inland wetlands, and is usually seen on land rather than in the water. Can occur in large numbers. Hard to approach, and when disturbed runs away fast. Tends to be less vocal than other waterhen species.
Identification
The black-tailed nativehen is a large dark bird, reaching about 38 cm in length and weighing around 400 g (0.88 lb). This species possesses an erect tail and is endowed almost entirely with 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. They become noticeable when they are seen in small flocks on the ground. Their erect tails and social behaviour are reminiscent of domestic hens.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Tribonyx ventralis
- Authority
- (Gould, 1837)
- Order
- Gruiformes
- Family
- Rallidae
- Genus
- Tribonyx
Range and habitat
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, and occasional to Tasmania. This species is nomadic, following seasonal water sources. It is found year-round living near fresh and brackish water.
- Migration
- Nomadic movement
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
Esmeraldas Woodstar
Chaetocercus berlepschi
Tiny hummingbird endemic to western Ecuador. Male has a violet throat, a green “vest” on otherwise white underparts, white spots on either side of the rump, and a thin, forked tail. Female lacks throat patch and has a rusty tinge to underparts, a black stripe through her face, and a shorter tail. Inhabits deciduous and semi-humid forest, especially in hilly areas near the coast. Undertakes seasonal movements that are not well understood, and is occasionally seen farther inland.
Eurasian Kestrel
Falco tinnunculus
Small falcon with distinctive male plumage: gray head, rusty back, gray tail with broad black tip. Female is brownish above, with barring on the back, wings, and tail. Note rather pointed wingtips (unlike rounded wings of Accipiter hawks), and distinct dark spotting on the breast. Inhabits open and lightly wooded country, farmlands, grasslands, and heathlands; often seen over grassy areas beside roads and at airports. Perches on wires and posts, and typically hunts by hovering, at times fairly high overhead. Very similar to Lesser Kestrel.
Short-tailed Woodstar
Myrmia micrura
Tiny hummingbird with a very short tail found in arid scrub and desert in western Ecuador and northwestern Peru. Male has glittering violet “beard” that is bordered by white above and below. Female lacks throat patch and has a buffy tinge to underparts, faint facial stripes, and a white tip to the tail. Female is told from other similar species in range by very short tail that does not reach wingtips when perched and white tip of tail (not white edges or corners).
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