Weka Fact File

Weka are a type of flightless rail that are only found

in New Zealand. They can be up to six times larger Size
than their nearest flying relatives, banded rails. The 50cm
most common subspecies is the western weka found Weight
in the Marlborough Sounds and areas of the upper 430g-1.4Kg
South Island. Other subspecies include the North Island
weka, buff weka and the Stewart Island weka. Interesting Facts
What Do They Eat? • Weka use their bills to
Weka are omnivores. They eat a variety of bugs move leaf litter when
and insects including weta, as well as small mammals foraging for food.
including birds. They also feed on leaves, grasses, • Weka have been known to swim
seeds and berries. Weka act as important seed over 1km to return to areas
dispersers as they are able to disperse seeds that are they have been removed from.
too large for New Zealand’s smaller bird species.
• Weka are a threatened species
Features only found in New Zealand,
Weka are around the size of a chicken. Most have but at the same time, their
brown feathers with some black streaks while some scavenging habits can make
are almost entirely black. They have a strong bill other native species vulnerable.
and sturdy legs.
• Weka are very curious birds
Habitat who have been known to grab
Weka are found in a variety of habitats including everything from books to cutlery
forest, sand dunes, on the rocky and dart off to investigate them.
shore, in sub alpine grassland and
even in semi-urban areas. They Did
are often found on the edges of You Know...?
two habitats and need to have Weka can use their
strong beak like a hammer.
areas of cover to retreat to. They tip their head back and
bring it down with force
to smash open eggs
and seeds.

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