The Takahe is an impressively large bird: its average length is about 63 cm and its average weight is about 2.7 kg in males, with females being slightly smaller. Its standing height is around 50 cm. (When I first saw them the thought occurred to me that they looked like purple swamp hens that had been inflated with a pump!)
Like many of its close relatives these birds mainly eat plant matter, although they will eat insects and have even been seen to eat small ducklings.
Takahe plumage, beaks, and legs show typical swamp hen colours. In adult takahe the plumage is silky, and remarkably iridescent, with dark-blue or navy-blue on the head, neck, and underside and peacock blue on the wings.
For many years the Takahe was thought to be extinct, but in 1948 a small population was found in a remote part of South Island in the Murchison Mountains. Since that time there has been considerable effort put into saving the species. It has not always been a simple task, with the known population of the bird fluctuating considerably. It is now thought that there are about 500 of these birds, some in the wild and others in protected sanctuaries.
These birds were photographed at the Orokonui Ecosanctuary, near Dunedin. They are free roaming birds, within the sanctuary - but they have been released there as part of the conservation effort. (Hence 'wild-ish')
Wow! Thanks for the introduction to this. Really beautiful bird
ReplyDeleteHari Om
ReplyDelete... and one's mind turned immediately to the Dodo... This is a most attractive bird. I too thank you for the introduction. YAM xx
I'm glad this species has survived. Lovely purple tinged plumage.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great bird!
ReplyDeleteHello Stewart :)
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of this large bird before but it's an extremely beautiful bird. I love all the different shades of blue feathers and it has purple coloured feathers too.I'm also glad it survived and is doing well. Thanks for all the info.
So delicate and unique looking bird
ReplyDeleteThe subtle colours of the feathers are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteYou can see the dinosaur in that one! Great pics!
ReplyDeleteAmazing that you were able to see a Takahe. What a privilege!
ReplyDeleteA fabulous bird to have seen Stewart and great photos especially the last one Thanks for hosting and commenting and have a great week ahead
ReplyDeleteThey do look rather inflated. I’m glad they are surviving.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful bird, well done. The Takahe is a rare birds, at least for me, ha ha.
ReplyDeleteWow, a new one on me and great that they have basically come back from extinction. Well done to all concerned. If only more control could be put on hunting, maybe the wildlife of Africa would have a chance. The hunters gloat over killing rare species like rhinos and cheetahs, it is heart breaking. Cheers Diane
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