The Weka (Gallirallus australis) is an endemic, flightless rail from New Zealand (and only New Zealand!). The bird is about 50cm long and weighs in between 700 and 1000g - in other words it's about the same size as a small chicken.
Those of you with good memories may recall that I posted some images of Woodhen from Lord Howe Island about a year ago. Woodhen and Weka are in the same genus and have both become flightless. I say 'become' because both species of birds are found on remote (ish) island and it's sure that the ancestors of these birds did not swim to these islands!
These pictures are of two different birds and I suspect that they are examples of two of the four 'types' found in NZ. The first first bird seems to be one of the 'buff' forms - its does seem rather more 'ginger' than the darker bird, which may be the 'western' form.
In any case the first bird was very inquisitive and walked up to and past us without much bother. I would have liked to get a bit lower for some of the shots of that bird, but we were half way though a walk and things were a little damp underfoot! It's why I normally wear (or carry) a coat of some form!
Now it's over to you - click the blue button and off you go - with luck I'll be able to respond quickly this week, but I'm not sure, as, believe it or not, I am on the road again!
Those of you with good memories may recall that I posted some images of Woodhen from Lord Howe Island about a year ago. Woodhen and Weka are in the same genus and have both become flightless. I say 'become' because both species of birds are found on remote (ish) island and it's sure that the ancestors of these birds did not swim to these islands!
These pictures are of two different birds and I suspect that they are examples of two of the four 'types' found in NZ. The first first bird seems to be one of the 'buff' forms - its does seem rather more 'ginger' than the darker bird, which may be the 'western' form.
In any case the first bird was very inquisitive and walked up to and past us without much bother. I would have liked to get a bit lower for some of the shots of that bird, but we were half way though a walk and things were a little damp underfoot! It's why I normally wear (or carry) a coat of some form!
Pictures from this point are of the second 'darker' bird.
Flightless birds are fascinating...that one picture looks like he wants to fly.....very interesting post ...thank you ad always.
ReplyDeleteI love rails but have only seen one twice. Not much. :(
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting.
A fascinating bird! I really enjoyed your wonderful photos. It was good getting your comment! I hope you had an amazing trip to New Zealand. I too was out of pocket for a week & a half...went to the daughter's and didn't have my new password with me for the email that is connected to blogger. It had just been changed. It's always something! :-)
ReplyDeleteThat's quite a size Stewart. The bill and the huge chunky legs give it away. I guess it's at least twice as big as our UK Water Rail - not that we ever see them!
ReplyDeleteVery cool looking bird! I've never heard of them. I love the second to last photo!
ReplyDeleteJust look how sturdy those legs are! Great bird.
ReplyDeleteI like the shot where he's dancing and fluffing his feathers. The bird looks like a cross between a hawk and a chicken.
ReplyDeleteSimilar to a rail. That 6th one is like it's dancin' in the streets!! ---Like David Bowie and Mick Jagger. ;-}
ReplyDeletecool feet
ReplyDeleteAn unusual bird for sure ... pretty in some ways (coloring, especially on the wings) and ordinary in other ways. He doesn't look like a chicken even if he is the same size. I assume there must have been some mix and matching going on in nature somewhere. An interesting bird for sure ... :) I have to wonder why they lost their flight capabilities. (I thought we would be getting birds from India ... not yet, right?)
ReplyDeleteAndrea @ From The Sol
Hello, the Weka is a cool bird. Looks a lot like the juvie moorhen. Great series of photos.
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting, Have a happy week!
A beautiful bird - I love the stretching-out photo especially :D)
ReplyDeleteWonderful bird. Love the pattern in the feathers in #6.
ReplyDeleteQuel drôle d'oiseau !!! ;-)
ReplyDeleteCéline & Philippe
Stewart, interesting bird. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLove it's feathers even if it can't fly..Looks like it could hide pretty well..neat feet!! Have a good trip..
ReplyDeleteTerrific photographs, Stewart! Even if you didn't lay on your belly in the damp leaves!
ReplyDeleteThe Weka is a new one for me. Would love to visit and see one in person.
All the best from stormy Florida!
What an interesting post Stewart! I couldn't help but notice how similar the wing feathers are to the tail feathers of a kookaburra!
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful plumage and you caught the texture in your photos
ReplyDeleteI love the fluffing feather shot. Nice bird!
ReplyDeleteOne can never have enough jackets to carry...the feathers of this beauty remind me of a pheasant for some reason...:)JP
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet bird.
ReplyDeleteI love reading about the different birds you share, ones we don't see in my part of the world.
ReplyDeleteLove to see one,perhaps in a couple of years time,these are stunning Rail,or should I say Rails.
ReplyDeleteLovely captures Stewart,wee are off to Cuba next week,so hope you have a good time,we will.
John.
Great shots of an iconic NZ bird, Stewart. It's a country I would love to visit but whether I ever will is another matter!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful bird with sharp beak:)
ReplyDeleteUnusual bird and great photos of it. It almost has a predator look to it's eyes and face.
ReplyDelete