The weka, also known as the Māori hen [2] or woodhen (Gallirallus australis) 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. [3] Four subspecies are recognized but only two (northern/southern) are supported by genetic evidence. [4]

Birds are a group of warm-blooded vertebrates constituting the class Aves (Latin:), characterised by feathers, toothless beaked jaws, the laying of hard-shelled eggs, a high metabolic rate, a four-chambered heart, and a strong yet lightweight skeleton.

The weka (Gallirallus australis) is a flightless bird species of the rail family. It is found only in New Zealand. The common name, "weka", is a Māori word. These birds are significant to some Māori iwi (tribes) who admire their curiosity and feisty.

Large, flightless rail endemic to New Zealand. Can be very curious, especially when living around people. Extinct over large tracts of the mainland. Variable plumage. Most birds are predominantly light brown with red eyes, a broad pointed bill, and strong legs. Often detected by characteristic “cooeet” calls given at dawn and in early evening.

Kiwi (/ ˈkiːwiː / KEE-wee) [4] are flightless birds endemic to New Zealand of the order Apterygiformes. The five extant species fall into the family Apterygidae (/ ˌæptəˈrɪdʒədiː /) and genus Apteryx (/ ˈæptərɪks /). [5] .

The weka (also known as Maori hen or woodhen) (Gallirallus australis) is a flightless bird species of the rail family. It is endemic to New Zealand, where four subspecies are recognized. Weka are sturdy brown birds, about the size of a chicken. As omnivores, they …

Learn more about these brilliant birds here. The weka is covered by feathers with highly variable coloration. These can be greyish, brown or almost black. This plumage is highly variable between the four subspecies. Protruding from the face is a reddish-brown bill which is around 5cm (2in) long and used for a range of activities.

The weka, also known as the Māori hen or woodhen (Gallirallus australis) is a flightless bird species of the rail family. It is endemic to New Zealand. It is the only extant member of the genus Gallirallus. Four subspecies are recognized but only two (northern/southern) are supported by genetic evidence.

The weka is a large, brown flightless bird that has a famously feisty and curious personality. Weka are fully protected on mainland New Zealand. Historically, the weka was a significant resource for some iwi, and the birds’ availability for sustainable harvest (mahinga kai) remains an important issue in weka conservation.

The weka is one of New Zealand’s iconic large flightless birds. Likely derived from a flighted ancestor, weka are 3-6 times larger than banded rails, which are considered their nearest flying relatives. Weka are charismatic birds that are often attracted to human activity.