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==External Links== | ==External Links== | ||
{{GSearch|Gallirallus+australis}} | {{GSearch|Gallirallus+australis}} | ||
| + | *[http://www.aviceda.org/abid/birdimages.php?action=birdspecies&fid=33&bid=403 View more images of this species on the ABID] | ||
[[Category:Birds]] | [[Category:Birds]] | ||
Revision as of 08:08, 26 May 2007
- Gallirallus australis
Description
Identification
53cms (about 21ins) 700-1000gms (1.5-2.2lbs). Plumage is brown, streaked with black, but there are 4 subspecies, separated by plumage colour. Western Weka (South Is. - Nelson-Fiordland) is chestnut, except in Fiordland, where a dark form is common; North Is. Weka is rare and is greyer below with brown legs; Buff Weka, introduced to the Chatham Is. is the palest in colour; Stewart Is. Weka is the smallest and also has a dark form, but is paler than the Western Weka. Sturdy, short bill and legs. Walks quietly and flicks leaves in order to look for food. Can run fast with neck outstretched. Has a loud repeated territorial call - 'coo-eet', rising in pitch.
Distribution & Taxonomy
A locally common, flightless NZ endemic - a member of the rail family. Can be very inquisitive. Breeding: Aug-Feb. Habitat: Forest, scrub as well as open country, so long as there is good cover available. Range: Northeast corner of North Island, plus the sanctuaries of Kapiti and Tiritiri Matangi Islands; South Island - northwest corner and Fiordland in the southwest, plus Stewart and Chatham Islands, with some other isolated areas on the west coast.
