Weka
A weka (Gallirallus australis), also known as the Maori hen or woodhen, is a flightless bird in the rail family. It is endemic to New Zealand. There are four subspecies. Weka are sturdy brown birds, about the size of a chicken. They feed mainly on invertebrates and fruit.[2]
| Weka | |
|---|---|
| |
| In the South Island, New Zealand | |
| Conservation status | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Order: | Gruiformes |
| Family: | Rallidae |
| Genus: | Gallirallus |
| Species: | G. australis
|
| Binomial name | |
| Gallirallus australis (Sparrman, 1786)
| |
| |
| Geographic range of the weka | |
Weka Media
A buff weka at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, Christchurch
Weka in its habitat on top of a bush
Weka & chicks
A ruffled weka on Chatham Island
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References
- ↑ BirdLife International (2012). "Gallirallus australis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN. 2012. Retrieved 26 November 2013.
- ↑ Gill, Frank B. 2007. Ornithology. New York: Freeman, p. 30.