- 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
Natural range is now restricted to mountains west of Lake Te Anau, southwestern South Island (New Zealand).
History
This unusual New Zealand bird was once thought to be extinct. There were only four recorded sightings in the 19th century. After that, none were seen until 1948, when a few pairs were rediscovered in the Murchison Mountains, in Fiordland, South Island.
Introduction
All birds are P. m. hochstetteri (see Taxonomy):
- Island sanctuaries (predator free environments): Kapiti, Tiritiri Matangi, Maud and Mana Islands. The population on these islands has now reached about 60 birds.
- Mt. Bruce Sanctuary on North Island. Birds are kept in semi-natural surroundings and are free to roam, but essentially are captive within this fenced park.
Taxonomy
Subspecies1
- P. m. mantelli - Extinct ~1894; Formerly North I. (New Zealand)
- P. m. hochstetteri - Mts. of s South I. (New Zealand)
Status of South Island Takahe hochstetteri
Some authorities (Howard & Moore, 2003) recognize hochstetteri as a separate species: the Southern Takahe, or South Island Takahe. The Opus follows Clements (2007) and Sibley & Monroe (1996) and treats it as a subspecies of P. mantelli.
Habitat
Tussock grasslands and beech forests.
Behaviour
Mainly vegetarian, feeding on the tough stems of tussock and other grasses. Breeding: Oct-Jan
References
- Clements James F. 2007. The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. 6th ed., with updates to October 2008. Ithaca: Cornell University Press. ISBN 9780801445019
