Weka

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Weka
In the South Island, New Zealand
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Gruiformes
Family: Rallidae
Genus: Gallirallus
Species:
G. australis
Binomial name
Gallirallus australis
(Sparrman, 1786)
  Geographic range of the weka

A weka (Gallirallus australis), also known as the Maori hen or woodhen, is a flightless bird in the rail family. It is endemic to New Zealand. There are four subspecies. Weka are sturdy brown birds, about the size of a chicken. They feed mainly on invertebrates and fruit.[2]

References[change | change source]

  1. BirdLife International (2012). "Gallirallus australis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2012. Retrieved 26 November 2013.
  2. Gill, Frank B. 2007. Ornithology. New York: Freeman, p. 30.