New Zealand is home to a wide array of unique and captivating wildlife. The New Zealand weka (Gallirallus australis) is one of many flightless birds endemic to New Zealand.  Since 1900 the weka has disappeared from most regions of the North and South Islands and has become a threatened species. Following the last count 2018, the weka was listed as ‘vulnerable’. Their numbers are decreasing, and habitats are becoming fragmented (IUCN Red List of Threatened Species). 

Currently, there are four known subspecies of weka. The North Island weka, the Western weka, the Stewart Island weka and the Buff weka.  Interestingly each of these subspecies has slight colour variations. 

Characteristics

The Weka is a medium-sized bird about the size of a hen. It has a plump body with dark brown or black feathers, a short rounded tail, strong legs, and large feet adapted for running and scratching the ground for food. In addition, they have a hard, tapered, pointed bill, perfect for their constant foraging in the ground for worms and grubs, and beady eyes, which are always on high alert.

Even though the weka is a friendly, charismatic and curious bird, they are also known to be feisty. Being curious, they are attracted to human activities and often approach humans, hoping to get fed. Surprisingly they are known to steal people’s shoes, underwear, watches, keys and other small items that people leave lying around.

Given these points, weka can sometimes become annoying birds. This is because they often get too close to people’s homes and have become a pest. They dig up domestic gardens in search of worms and other ground insects.  With this in mind feeding the weka is discouraged, as the weka can be easily tamed with food.

The weka is an excellent swimmer and can swim across large lakes and between islands. Their very loud shrieking is often heard long before they are seen.

Habitat

The Weka is endemic to New Zealand, which means they are found nowhere else in the world. Most of the Weka’s habitat includes forests, sub-alpine ground, sand dunes, wetlands, and rocky shores. Wekas are most commonly found in the South Island of New Zealand but can also be found in some parts of the North Island and Stewart Island and nearby offshore islands. They are known to adapt well to human-altered environments and can also be found in gardens, parks and farmlands.

Diet

The weka is both carnivore and scavenging. Their diet consists of invertebrates and fruit. For example, birds, lizards, rodents, food scraps, carrion, and eggs of other ground-nesting birds.

Size

• Bill: 5 cm long
• Males: 50 – 60cm long, weight: 1kg
• Females: 45 – 50 cm long, weight: 700g
• Wingspan: 50-60 cm and flightless

Reproduction

Interestingly, the weka is monogamous and mates for life. When habitats are favourable, they will be very productive and breed all year round. They raise two to three chicks yearly. On the other hand, when habitats are unfavourable, they may only produce once every few years. Both males and females share the incubation, which takes 26 – 28 days. 

Threats

Being flightless birds, the weka is prone to predation. As a result, their numbers have significantly reduced throughout New Zealand over the past 100 years due to the following:

• Humans
• Ferrets, stoats, cats and dogs
• Motor vehicle accidents
• Habitat loss and climate change
• Food shortage due to competition with the introduction of other animals (deer, pigs and possums) impacts their survival. 
• Secondary poisoning by feeding on poisoned, baited dead animals (slugs, snails, rodent baits). Unfortunately, when the weka eats the poisoned animals, they die from the same poison.

On the positive side, the weka kills rats and mice. This helps conserve other endangered species prone to be eaten by rodents.

Conservation status

As a threatened species, the weka needs protection in wildlife sanctuaries. This poses a significant problem as wekas are predatory birds and prey on other endangered species living in the same habitats, such as lizards, seabirds, and other ground-nesting birds, by eating their eggs and chicks.

The New Zealand weka was introduced to many islands and has survived well without other predators. In 1870, they were introduced to Australia’s subantarctic Macquarie Island as food for sealers. However, they preyed on the Macquarie Island parakeet, leading to its extinction. By 1988, the weka was removed from Macquarie Island.

The New Zealand Weka is a fascinating bird that captivates the hearts of people lucky enough to see them. Its unique appearance, curious behaviour and interesting vocalisations make them a very interesting bird. It is hoped that with continued conservation efforts their numbers will increase.