The Black-tailed Native-hen is a large, stout, dark, fleet-footed rail with an erect narrow black tail which is held folded. The bird is mainly brownish-grey, with white spots on the flanks. The bill and frontal shield is green, with an orange-red lower mandible (‘jaw’). Legs and feet are bright pink. The eye is bright yellow. They are seen in pairs, parties and sometimes large groups.