Couldn’t have been a Tassie native hen as they are restricted to Tasmania. Possibly a Pale-vented bush hen or similar species. Do you happen to have a photo?
Yes, that's what I thought too, and they can't fly, so a long way to walk. It was a google image search that suggested it was a Turbo chook, and it's been here for three days and we haven't seen it fly yet, only swim when the Swamphen chases it. I have uploaded a photo and will try to get some better shots. I understand the main difference between the species you suggested is the colour of their eyes. cheers
Bush-hens are also much shyer than moorhens, inhabiting denser areas (I highly doubt one would live around this pond), and much more likely to be heard than seen. They also lack the white feathers that edge the wing and tail of moorhens.
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