Black-tailed Native-hens

Black-tailed Native-hen, Peterborough, South Australia

Black-tailed Native-hens are a widespread and relatively common bird throughout Australia, but only where suitable habitat exists. They prefer wetlands such are dams, lakes, rivers, swamps and only venture short distances from water in order to feed on pastures and grass. Sometimes, when conditions are right and food is plentiful, they can breed up quickly in large numbers in one locality, occasionally flocking together in their thousands.

On the occasion of this photo there were about 80 feeding around the artificial lake called Victoria Park in Peterborough in the mid-north of South Australia. This lovely park is next to both the swimming pool and the caravan park in the heart of the town.

For more photos and articles about Australian birds, go to my other site Trevor's Birding here.