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Looks like a very large Pukeko ([[Purple Swamphen]]), but with a massive scarlet bill and shield, paler towards the tip. Eyes are brown; legs and feet are red. Plumage colour ranges from an iridescent dark blue head, neck and breast, with peacock blue shoulders to an olive green and blue back and wings. White undertail. Immature is duller with a dark grey bill and shield | Looks like a very large Pukeko ([[Purple Swamphen]]), but with a massive scarlet bill and shield, paler towards the tip. Eyes are brown; legs and feet are red. Plumage colour ranges from an iridescent dark blue head, neck and breast, with peacock blue shoulders to an olive green and blue back and wings. White undertail. Immature is duller with a dark grey bill and shield | ||
==Distribution== | ==Distribution== | ||
| − | This unusual bird was once thought to be extinct. There were only four recorded sightings in the 19th century and then none were seen until 1948, when a few pairs were rediscovered in the alpine tussock grasslands of the Murchison Mountains, in Fiordland, South Island. For more information please see Natural range is now restricted to the tussock grassland and beech forest in the mountains west of Lake Te Anau, in the southwest of South Island. <br> | + | This unusual [[New Zealand]] bird was once thought to be extinct. There were only four recorded sightings in the 19th century and then none were seen until 1948, when a few pairs were rediscovered in the alpine tussock grasslands of the Murchison Mountains, in Fiordland, South Island. For more information please see Natural range is now restricted to the tussock grassland and beech forest in the mountains west of Lake Te Anau, in the southwest of South Island. <br> |
The Takahe has been introduced to the following island sanctuaries, where it is hoped that its numbers will recover in the predator free environments: Kapiti, Tiritiri Matangi, Maud and Mana Islands. The population on these islands has now reached about 60 birds. They are also kept in semi-natural surroundings at Mt. Bruce Sanctuary on the North Island; although free to roam, they are essentially captive within this fenced park. It is an easy place to observe them. | The Takahe has been introduced to the following island sanctuaries, where it is hoped that its numbers will recover in the predator free environments: Kapiti, Tiritiri Matangi, Maud and Mana Islands. The population on these islands has now reached about 60 birds. They are also kept in semi-natural surroundings at Mt. Bruce Sanctuary on the North Island; although free to roam, they are essentially captive within this fenced park. It is an easy place to observe them. | ||
==Taxonomy== | ==Taxonomy== | ||
| + | Subspecies ''mantelli'' was formerly found on North Island but is now considered extinct. Subspecies ''hochstetteri'' is the one found on the South Island and transferred to additional locations. Some sources consider the two forms independent species, South Island Takahe (''Porphyrio hochstetteri'') and North Island Takahe (''Porphyrio mantelli''). | ||
==Habitat== | ==Habitat== | ||
| + | Tussock grasslands | ||
==Behaviour== | ==Behaviour== | ||
Mainly vegetarian, feeding on the tough stems of tussock and other grasses. Breeding: Oct-Jan | Mainly vegetarian, feeding on the tough stems of tussock and other grasses. Breeding: Oct-Jan | ||
Revision as of 01:59, 28 November 2007
- Porphyrio mantelli
Identification
63cm (about 25in) 3kg (6.6lbs) Flightless - the largest living member of the rail family. Looks like a very large Pukeko (Purple Swamphen), but with a massive scarlet bill and shield, paler towards the tip. Eyes are brown; legs and feet are red. Plumage colour ranges from an iridescent dark blue head, neck and breast, with peacock blue shoulders to an olive green and blue back and wings. White undertail. Immature is duller with a dark grey bill and shield
Distribution
This unusual New Zealand bird was once thought to be extinct. There were only four recorded sightings in the 19th century and then none were seen until 1948, when a few pairs were rediscovered in the alpine tussock grasslands of the Murchison Mountains, in Fiordland, South Island. For more information please see Natural range is now restricted to the tussock grassland and beech forest in the mountains west of Lake Te Anau, in the southwest of South Island.
The Takahe has been introduced to the following island sanctuaries, where it is hoped that its numbers will recover in the predator free environments: Kapiti, Tiritiri Matangi, Maud and Mana Islands. The population on these islands has now reached about 60 birds. They are also kept in semi-natural surroundings at Mt. Bruce Sanctuary on the North Island; although free to roam, they are essentially captive within this fenced park. It is an easy place to observe them.
Taxonomy
Subspecies mantelli was formerly found on North Island but is now considered extinct. Subspecies hochstetteri is the one found on the South Island and transferred to additional locations. Some sources consider the two forms independent species, South Island Takahe (Porphyrio hochstetteri) and North Island Takahe (Porphyrio mantelli).
Habitat
Tussock grasslands
Behaviour
Mainly vegetarian, feeding on the tough stems of tussock and other grasses. Breeding: Oct-Jan
