The black-tailed nativehen is a rail native to Australia.
Region
Mainland Australia
Typical Environment
Found widely across the Australian mainland wherever ephemeral and permanent wetlands, floodplains, and claypans hold water. It favors the margins of swamps, lagoons, and farm dams with nearby grassy or sedgy cover, and readily uses irrigated farmland and pasture. Numbers and local presence fluctuate dramatically with rainfall, often appearing suddenly in newly flooded areas. In prolonged dry periods it retreats to more permanent waterbodies and riparian zones.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The black-tailed nativehen is a fast-running rail that thrives in Australia's boom-and-bust inland wetlands, often irrupting in large numbers after heavy rains. It tends to fly reluctantly, preferring to sprint to cover with tail flicks that flash a contrasting vent patch. Flocks may form quickly where water and fresh green growth appear, then disperse as conditions dry. Its movements are highly nomadic, tracking ephemeral water across vast distances.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small to large flocks, especially where recent rains have produced fresh growth. Nests are placed in dense vegetation near water, with clutches typically medium to large and breeding timed opportunistically to wet conditions. Adults will lead chicks through cover and are quick to run to safety rather than take flight.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations include sharp kek-kek notes, clucking calls, and rattling cackles given in excitement or alarm. Groups may produce chorus-like chatter when flushed or while running to cover.
