Dusky Moorehen

FAMILY NAME:    Rallidae    SCIENTIFIC NAME:   Gallinula tenebrosa    SUBSPECIES:    none

SIZE:    35 to 40cm.   (14 to 16") tip to tail.

LOCATION:    Found in the eastern 1/3 of Australia, utilising almost any well vegetated water body. Also in the south west corner and increasing it's range in Tasmania.

BREEDING:   Breeds from August to March, laying 7 to 10 eggs, in a large platform of sticks and other vegetation. The nests are located amongst reeds, rushes, or in vegetation near water. Family groups are formed with several females, and all share the parenting duties.

GENERAL:    Sometimes called the "Waterhen". They eat a wide variety of foods, water plants, algae, grass, seed, invertebrates and molluscs. The Moorehen does not dive whilst feeding, only bobbing it's head under water. They seem to enjoy chasing each other out of an area, accompanied by lots os screeching and wing flapping.

References:

Michael Morecombe. Field Guide to Australian Birds, Complete Compact Edtion.
Ken Simpson - Nicholas Day. The Birds of Australia.
M. Blakers - S. J. J. F. Davies - P. N. Reilly. The Atlas of Australian Birds.
Birds in Backyards.   www.birdsinbackyards.net
Graham Pizzey - Frank Knight. The Field Guide to the Birds of Australia.