black-tailed native hen

noun

: a large nomadic rail (Tribonyx ventralis synonym Gallinula ventralis) of inland Australia that has a distinctive greenish-blue bill, bright red legs, and an erect tail

A small flock of black-tailed native hens normally found among reeds and swamps in the River Murray has moved in even before the vegetation has been properly established in the wetland.

—The Advertiser (Adelaide, Australia), 15 Nov. 1997

Word History

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined above

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