Tasmanian Nativehen

01 · Identification

How to tell it apart

The Tasmanian Nativehen is a large, heavily built, flightless rail measuring 43 to 51 centimetres in length. Its plumage features warm olive-brown upperparts and a slate-grey breast and belly, marked by a prominent, elongated white patch on the flank. It possesses a robust lime-green bill with a small red patch at the base of the upper mandible, complemented by vivid red eyes and powerful, greyish-yellow to pinkish-grey legs. While sexes are similar, juveniles are duller with brownish eyes. Highly vocal, this species is famous for its raucous, rhythmic "sawing" or "rasping" chorus—often compared to a donkey or a rusty gate—which is frequently delivered as a synchronized duet by group members. Completely incapable of flight, this bird is a remarkably swift runner, earning it the local nickname "turbo chook." It is commonly seen in family groups grazing on grasses, herbs, and seeds, characterized by a constant upward flicking of its short, dark tail. Endemic to Tasmania, it is widespread in open grasslands, pastures, and marshy edges near fresh water, though less common in the rugged southwest. It is easily distinguished from the smaller Dusky Moorhen by its larger size and lack of a red facial shield or white undertail. The Black-tailed Nativehen, a rare visitor from the mainland, is significantly smaller, capable of flight, and lacks the distinctive white flank patches.

Description · BirdUp · CC BY-SA 4.0

1. 01

   Bright red bill and frontal shield

   Large, prominent fleshy red shield extends from the base of the bill onto the forehead.

2. 02

   Brilliant, ruby-red eye

   The strikingly bright red eye is conspicuous and contrasts sharply with the olive-brown head.

3. 03

   Bold white flank patch

   Conspicuous white patch on the lower flank, often flashed when moving.

4. 04

   Stout yellowish-green legs

   Noticeably stout, robust legs with a distinctive pale yellowish-green colour.