Small waterhen with an erect black tail (no white edges) resembling that of a domestic chicken.
Not listed
Endemic to Australia
Indigenous: Gulguwi, Baan.Giirr, Black-Tailed Native Hen, Gallinule, Black-Tailed Water-Hen, Swamphen, Native Hen, Water Hen
At a glance
FamilyRails, Gallinules, and Coots
SizeMedium
RarityCommon
HabitatFrequents locations around inland wetlands, and is usually seen on land rather than in the water.
Best timeMost reliable in Victoria from October to November.
Sounds
Sound sampleRecorded by Peter Boesman
Range map
Range map
3904visible hotspots
56174visible records
6states
Low confidenceMediumHigh confidence
Aggregated occurance data is sourced from 14 different actively-updating datasets including eBird Australia, iNaturalist Australia, BirdLife Australia, and multiple state-based bird surveys through Atlas of Living Australia.
Species notes
Overview
Note pale green base to the bill with a yellow tip and a red spot, bright red-pink legs, and pale spots on flanks. Can occur in large numbers. Hard to approach, and when disturbed runs away fast. Tends to be less vocal than other waterhen species.
Behavior
Frequents locations around inland wetlands, and is usually seen on land rather than in the water.
Gallery
Regional timing
Western Australia
New South Wales
South Australia
Victoria
Queensland
Northern Territory
Tasmania
Australian Capital Territory
Commonly confused with
Australian CrakePorzana flumineaTail is often held cocked.→Buff-banded RailGallirallus philippensisReddish head with strong pale eyebrow. Makes a loud squeaking call. On small islands (e.g. Green Island, Lord Howe Island, Lady Elliot Island) it is extremely tame and abundant.→Tasmanian NativehenTribonyx mortieriiHas a yellow-green bill and a white thigh patch.→