Weka
Sign in to saveThe weka, also known as the Māori hen or woodhen (Gallirallus australis) is a flightless bird species of the rail family. It is endemic to New Zealand. Some authorities consider it as the only extant member of the genus Gallirallus. Four subspecies are recognized but only two (northern/southern) are supported by genetic evidence.
Wikidata facts
- Instance of
- taxon
- Parent taxon
- Gallirallus
- Image
- Gallirallus australis 2.jpg
Show 6 more facts
- P105
- species
- P141
- Vulnerable
- P3512
- bipedalism
- P183
- New Zealand
- P1889
- Weka
via Wikidata · CC0
Article
11 sectionsContents
- Description
- Taxonomy and distribution
- Behaviour
- Habitat and diet
- Breeding and Nesting
- Conservation status
- Threats
- Human interaction
- Incidents
- References
- External links
The weka, also known as the Māori hen or woodhen (Gallirallus australis) is a flightless bird species of the rail family. It is endemic to New Zealand. Some authorities consider it as the only extant member of the genus Gallirallus. Four subspecies are recognized but only two (northern/southern) are supported by genetic evidence.
The weka are sturdy brown birds about the size of a chicken. As omnivores, they feed mainly on invertebrates and fruit. Weka usually lay eggs between August and January; both sexes help to incubate.