Tasmanian Native-hen

Other common names include Narkie, Native-hen, Waterhen and Turbo chook.

The Tasmanian Native-hen is classified as Least Concern. Does not qualify for a more at risk category. Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category.

The Tasmanian Native-hen (Gallinula mortierii) is a flightless rail, one of twelve species of birds endemic to the Australian island of Tasmania. Although many flightless birds have a history of extinction at the hands of man,, the Tasmanian Native-hen has actually benefited from the introduction of European style agricultural practices in Tasmania. More

The Tasmanian Native-hen is a stocky flightless bird between 43 and 51 cm in length. The upperparts are olive brown with a white patch on the flank. The underparts are darker with a bluish grey tinge. The short tail is close to black and mostly held erect.The legs are thick and powerful, with a grey scaly appearance and sharp claws. The eye is bright red. The bill has a small frontal shield and is a greenish yellow colour(Watts:1999). More

The Tasmanian Native-hen (Gallinula mortierii) is a flightless rail, one of twelve species of birds common to the Australian island of Tasmania. Other common names include Narkie, Native-hen, and Waterhen. Locally, the bird is often referred to as a 'turbo chook'. This species was originally described in 1840 as Tribonyx mortierii. The name mortierii is in honor of Barthélemy Charles Joseph Dumortier. The Tasmanian Native-hen is a stocky flightless bird, typically between 17 and 20 inches long. More

The Tasmanian Native-Hen was widespread on the Australian mainland until about 4700 years ago when it became extinct, possibly through predation by newly arrived Dingo and increasing aridity of the continent. More

The Tasmanian Native-hen has a large yellow bill, a red eye, brown head, back and wings and is slate grey on its underparts.... Tasmanias Endemics - http://www.dpiwe.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/WebPages/SJON-54G647?open A list with photos and info about the endemics of the Isalnd... More

A Tasmanian native-hen was calling close to him, a loud rhythmic screeching call that Bentley always likened to a couple making love on a squeaking bed. He looked about him and the fox was not at his side. It had gone. Bentley walked home slowly, slower than usual, taking in every sight and sound on the half-kilometre journey. More