Native hens in Tasmania

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Today, on Bruny Island just off the east coast of Tasmania, we were lucky enough to see some Tasmanian native hens (Tribonyx mortierii). It is one of twelve birds that are endemic to Tasmania. It is classified as a flightless rail (small to medium sized ground-living birds). It is stocky and between 43 and 51 centimetres (17 and 20 in) in length. They are a drab olive brown colour but have a bluish grey tinge. They have a short, dark tail, thick legs and bright red eyes. There is a white patch on the flank. I’ve seen a few in the paddocks but today four were on the road and gave me just enough time to get a half-reasonable photo. Google tells me that each group has a single breeding female that mates with all the males in the group. This is unusual in birds which stay in groups. Native hens have 14 separate calls. Although it can’t fly, it can reach speeds of 48 kph (30 mph) and uses its wings to help maintain its balance. All in all, it’s quite an interesting bird.