Weka

A most unusual bird

A flightless bird about the size of a chicken. Notice the absence of wings! Member of the rail family. Endemic to New Zealand. They are omnivorous. A curious bird, it was not uncommon for them to wander into campsites or along trails looking for scraps of food, as we were hiking in NZ. They are a vulnerable species and are threatened by climatic change and predators such as stoats, rats, and brush-tailed opossums…as are all flightless birds in NZ.

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Mike Warner
Admin
April 25, 2020 4:22 pm

Are these the same birds we heard about that can be “pests” in that they will try and eat the tires on your vehicle?

Bajadreamer
April 27, 2020 8:21 am
Reply to  Mike Warner

Those are Keas. Fascinating, intelligent birds. Would love to photograph one some day.

Leegramas
April 27, 2020 2:47 pm

Great Picture Scott!

Beautiful Female
Taking advantage of the light
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