Takahe
Image: <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.inaturalist.org/users/26121">Wouter Koch</a> (CC BY 4.0)
NameTakahe
Common NameSouth Island Takahe
Scientific NamePorphyrio hochstetteri
FamilyRallidae
Wingspan (cm)50
Length (cm)63
Weight (g)2500
Plumage DetailsThe head, neck, and underparts are a vibrant iridescent dark blue to violet. The back and inner wings are olive-green to bronze-green, while the outer wings display a turquoise-blue hue. It has a prominent red frontal shield extending from its large red bill.
Vocalization / CallTakahe vocalizations include deep, resonant 'coo-eet' or 'taka-he' calls, often repeated. They also produce a variety of grunts, clucks, and hisses.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsalpine grassland, subalpine scrub, wetland, forest
Conservation Statusendangered
Geographic RangeEndemic to the South Island of New Zealand. Historically widespread, its current range is restricted primarily to Fiordland National Park and several predator-free offshore islands and mainland sanctuaries.
Identifying Featureslarge size (largest living rail), flightless, vibrant iridescent blue and green plumage, massive red bill with red frontal shield, stout red legs and feet
Description
The Takahe is a large, flightless rail endemic to New Zealand, known for its striking iridescent blue and green plumage. It possesses a robust build, a massive red bill, and stout red legs, typically foraging in alpine grasslands.
