Photo 7520864, no rights reserved, uploaded by Peter de Lange

Attribution By Peter de Lange
no rights reserved
Uploaded by pjd1 pjd1
Source iNaturalist NZ
Associated observations

Photos / Sounds

What

Kapiti Island Hybrid Weka (Gallirallus australis australis × greyi)

Observer

pjd1

Date

April 11, 2017

Description

Common throughout the island. Introduced to the island in the early part of its establishment as a wildlife sanctuary (birds released sometime between 1897 and 1920). However, two different subspecies were liberated, the South Island G. australis australis and North Island G. australis greyi resulting in a hybrid swarm. The hybrid is best distinguished by the pinkish legs.

A notoriously inquisitive bird these images show a bird hell bent on sampling my pack. On Kapiti Island hybrid weka are constant companions always watching and waiting for you to be silly enough to leave your pack or snacks unattended.

Associated taxa
Sizes