Biology

This almost flightless bird spends most of its time on the ground, where it forages for insects, snails, amphibians and lizards on the forest floor, although some food may also be taken from shallow water when it visits pools to bathe and drink (2) (4). Monogamous, territorial pairs breed from May to July, building a nest on the ground or in the cavity of a tree stump, lined with dead leaves, grass and fern fronds (4). The usual clutch size is three to five eggs (3) (5).