From Opus

Gallirallus australis

Photo by greenbunion

[edit] Identification

53cms (about 21ins) 700-1000gms (1.5-2.2lbs). Sturdy, short bill and legs. Walks quietly and flicks leaves in order to look for food.

Plumage is brown, streaked with black, but varies on subspecies. Nominate australis has chestnut plumage except in Fiordland, where a dark form is common. G. a. greyi is rare and is greyer below with brown legs, hectori is the palest in colour, and scotti is the smallest and also has a dark form, but is paler than australis.

[edit] Distribution

A locally common, flightless New Zealand endemic.

Northeast corner of North Island, plus the sanctuaries of Kapiti and Tiritiri Matangi Islands; South Island - northwest corner and Fiordland in the southwest, plus Stewart and Chatham Islands, with some other isolated areas on the west coast.

[edit] Taxonomy

[edit] Subspecies

• G. a. greyi - North I. (New Zealand)
• G. a. australis - Western region of South I. (New Zealand)
• G. a. hectori - Formerly South I. (New Zealand); introduced Chatham Islands
• G. a. scotti - Stewart, Solander and Codfish Islands (off New Zealand)

[edit] Habitat

Forest, scrub as well as open country, so long as there is good cover available.

[edit] Behaviour

Can be very inquisitive. Can run fast with neck outstretched. Has a loud repeated territorial call - 'coo-eet', rising in pitch.

Breeding: Aug-Feb.

[edit] External Links

• View more images of this species on the ABID