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.