weka bird Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/animal/weka Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/animal/weka Also known as: Gallirallus australis, Māori hen, bush hen, woodhen Written by Karen Sottosanti Karen Sottosanti is a writer and editor who works in educational publishing. Karen Sottosanti Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Sep 17, 2024 • Article History Table of Contents Also called: woodhen, Māori hen, or bush hen (Show more) weka, (Gallirallus australis), species of nonmigratory flightless bird of the rail family (Rallidae) that is endemic to New Zealand. The weka is roughly the size of a chicken (Gallus gallus), and its appearance is characterized by its variable, but mainly brown, plumage with black streaks. The species is known for its feisty and curious nature and its penchant for stealing crops, food, and other small objects that appeal to it. Weka inhabit a variety of typically wet and moist habitats, such as forests, wetlands, and marine intertidal areas, but they can be found also in some shrublands, grasslands, farmlands, and ...(100 of 910 words)

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