About the Weka
The weka, also known as the Māori hen or woodhen 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.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
Weka are large rails. They are predominantly rich brown mottled with black and grey; the brown shade varies from pale to dark depending on subspecies. The male is the larger sex at 50–60 cm (20–24 in) in length and 532–1,605 g (1.173–3.538 lb) in weight. Females measure 46–50 cm (18–20 in) in length and weigh 350–1,035 g (0.772–2.282 lb). The reduced wingspan ranges from 50 to 60 cm (20 to 24 in). The relatively large, reddish-brown beak is about 5 cm (2.0 in) long, stout and tapered, and used as a weapon.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
What the Weka sounds like
Where it lives
When to see it
Peak activity in January · a variable species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Barred RailGallirallus torquatusThe barred rail is a species of rail found across the Philippines, Sulawesi (Indonesia) and Salawati.
Lord Howe WoodhenGallirallus sylvestrisThe Lord Howe woodhen is a medium-sized olive-brown rail, with a short tail, downcurved bill, red iris, and chestnut wings.
Chestnut RailGallirallus castaneoventrisThe chestnut rail is a species of bird in the family Rallidae.
Learn the Weka for real
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