They display phenotypic characteristics typical of rails: relatively short wings and strong, elongated bills, adapted to its semi-aquatic lifestyle in wetlands.
Not listed
Indigenous: Moorlyaa
At a glance
FamilyRails, Gallinules, and Coots
SizeLarge
RarityCommon
HabitatOccurs in a wide variety of wetland habitats and is a common sight in urban parks.
Best timeReported across most months in Victoria, with no narrow seasonal peak.
Sounds
Sound sampleRecorded by craig wilson
Range map
Range map
4520visible hotspots
626541visible 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
Has large feet and white under tail feathers which it flicks up and down when walking. Occurs in a wide variety of wetland habitats and is a common sight in urban parks.
Behavior
They are very vocal, often making loud crowing calls and a range of other shorter squawks, including a single note squawk at night.
Gallery
Regional timing
Western Australia
New South Wales
Northern Territory
South Australia
Queensland
Victoria
Tasmania
Australian Capital Territory