Breeding
The Tasmanian Native
hens peak breeding period is usually from July through to October. It nests
near watering clumps of grass or reeds, or also on flat rocks. The nest
is made of soft grass. Eggs numbers are usually between 6 and 9. The eggs
are brown and blotched in appearance, their size being slightly smaller
than that of a common chicken egg. Breeding is also affected by rainfall
and moisture distribution. The bird is usually Polyandrous, and is rarely
found to be polygamous or monogamous. Permanently territorial in groups
of 2 to 17 birds, with several breeding adults. The breeding unit can be
an adult pair or a trio of two males (sometimes brothers). They associate
for life. All males perform copulations. The bird is unique in that its
polyandrous characteristics are only found in a handful of the earths 9000+
bird species. Photo by Jennifer Mudge
jennim@camelot.delm.tas.gov.au
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