Although many flightless birds have a history of extinction at the hands of humans,[3] the species has actually benefited from the introduction of European-style agricultural practices in Tasmania.

The legs are thick and powerful, with a grey scaly appearance and sharp claws.

[8] The juvenile bird is similar in appearance to the adult, though the colours are more subdued on the body and the underparts have fine white spots.

[9] Male birds generally have longer bills and legs, though there is enough overlap that the sexes are indistinguishable, even in the hand.

Suggested reasons for its extirpation have included human overhunting, the introduction of the dingo,[6] or an extremely dry period.

Fights can also occur, where birds will jump, peck and kick at each other violently, sometimes drawing blood and pulling feathers.

[4] The breeding season begins in the period from July to September, depending upon rainfall and the availability of food.

The diet is mostly made up of grass shoots and the leaves of low herbs which it grazes during daylight hours.

Although there is a healthy population size and no significant falls have been measured, there is concern about the possible arrival[18] of the red fox in Tasmania and the potential impact that it would have on this and other species.

All other native Tasmanian birds are listed as protected under the state's Nature Conservation Act 2002.