Tasmanian Nativehen

Adults have olive-brown upperparts, greyish-slate underparts with white flecks on the flanks. They feature a striking bright red bill and frontal shield, prominent yellow eyes, and dark legs. Sexes are visually similar, though males tend to be slightly larger.

Bright red bill and frontal shield, bold yellow eyes, olive-brown body, grey underparts with white flank streaks, and a short cocked tail showing white underneath.

Length: 43-51 cm, Wingspan: flightless/short wings, Weight: 900-1500 g

Famous for loud, booming, trumpeting duets performed by pairs or groups, often described as a raucous braying or cackling sound.

Primarily herbivorous, eating grasses, shoots, seeds, roots, and occasionally insects and invertebrates.

Found in open country, grassy paddocks, wetlands, marsh edges, and farmland near water sources.

Non-migratory resident; highly territorial throughout the year.

Builds a bulky cup nest of grasses and reeds on or near the ground in dense vegetation. They lay clutches of 5 to 8 eggs, and cooperative breeding groups are common where older offspring help raise subsequent broods.

Dusky Moorhen and Eurasian Coot, but distinguished by being flightless, lacking a white facial shield (in coots), and having distinctly different vocalizations and brownish-grey plumage.

Acts as an important grazer in grassy ecosystems, helping control certain plant growth and serving as prey for native predators like raptors and quolls.

Least Concern, with a stable population trend.

Look for them grazing in pastures, near water bodies, or along woodland edges. They are quite approachable and often run rather than fly when disturbed.

Despite having wings, Tasmanian Nativehens are entirely flightless. They are remarkably fast runners, capable of reaching speeds up to 50 km/h.