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====Subspecies==== | ====Subspecies==== | ||
This is a [[Dictionary_M-O#M|monotypic]] species.<br /> | This is a [[Dictionary_M-O#M|monotypic]] species.<br /> | ||
| − | Formerly considered conspecific with North Island Takahe. | + | Formerly considered conspecific with [[North Island Takahe]]. |
==Habitat== | ==Habitat== | ||
Native tussock grasslands and beech forests. | Native tussock grasslands and beech forests. | ||
Revision as of 09:02, 2 August 2015
- Porphyrio hochstetteri
Identification
63cm (about 25in) 3kg (6.6lbs) - the largest living member of the rail family.
Looks like a very large Pukeko (Purple Swamphen), but with a massive scarlet bill and shield, paler towards the tip. Eyes are brown; legs and feet are red. Plumage colour ranges from an iridescent dark blue head, neck and breast, with peacock blue shoulders to an olive green and blue back and wings. White undertail.
Immature is duller with a dark grey bill and shield
Distribution
Natural range is now restricted to mountains west of Lake Te Anau, southwestern South Island (New Zealand).
History
This unusual New Zealand bird was once thought to be extinct. There were only four recorded sightings in the 19th century. After that, none were seen until 1948, when a few pairs were rediscovered in the Murchison Mountains, in Fiordland, South Island.
Introduction
All introduced birds are South Island Takahe.
- Island sanctuaries (predator free environments): Kapiti, Tiritiri Matangi, Maud and Mana Islands. The population on these islands has now reached about 60 birds.
- Mount Bruce Sanctuary on North Island. Birds are kept in semi-natural surroundings and are free to roam, but essentially are captive within this fenced park.
Taxonomy
Subspecies
This is a monotypic species.
Formerly considered conspecific with North Island Takahe.
Habitat
Native tussock grasslands and beech forests.
Behaviour
Flightless.
Diet
Mainly vegetarian, feeding on the tough stems of tussock and other grasses.
Breeding
Breeds from October to January. The clutch consists of 1-3 eggs, which hatch after around 30 days. Both adults incubate the eggs and care for the young.
Vocalisation
Contact call is a single rising squawk, similar to the contact calls of Weka. If alarmed gives a low, resonant boomp or a percussive oomp, slowly repeated. Various clucking calls reported when feeding and a loud screech or hiss when threatened.
References
- Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, B.L. Sullivan, C. L. Wood, and D. Roberson. 2012. The eBird/Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. 6th ed., with updates to October 2012. Ithaca: Cornell Univ. Press. ISBN 978-0801445019. Spreadsheet available at http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/downloadable-clements-checklist
- Del Hoyo, J, A Elliot, and J Sargatal, eds. 1996. Handbook of the Birds of the World. Volume 3: Hoatzin to Auks. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions. ISBN 978-8487334207
- NZ Department of Conservation fact sheet
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2024) South Island Takahe. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 26 April 2024 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/South_Island_Takahe
