The weka, also known as the Māori hen or woodhen is a flightless bird species of the rail family. It is endemic to New Zealand. Some authorities consider it as the only extant member of the genus Gallirallus. Four subspecies are recognized but only two (northern/southern) are supported by genetic evidence.
Region
New Zealand
Typical Environment
Weka are patchily distributed across both main islands and several offshore islands, with strongholds along the West Coast and in the Marlborough Sounds. They occupy coastal dunes, scrub, forest and forest margins, wetlands, and mosaic farmland. They readily use edges and disturbed habitats, including campsites and rural settlements. Distribution varies by subspecies, with some areas seeing recovery after reintroductions and predator control.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Weka are bold, flightless rails famous for their curiosity and habit of stealing shiny or unattended objects. They play an important ecological role as scavengers and seed dispersers but can also predate small native fauna. Pairs often duet with far-carrying calls that define their territories. Their tail is frequently flicked while they run through dense cover.
A buff weka at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, Christchurch
Weka in its habitat on top of a bush
Weka and chicks
A ruffled weka on Chatham Island
Temperament
bold and inquisitive
Flight Pattern
flightless; runs swiftly with tail flicks
Social Behavior
Usually found as territorial pairs or family groups. Monogamous pairs defend territories year-round with duets and threat displays. Nests are on the ground under dense cover; both sexes incubate and care for precocial chicks, sometimes raising multiple broods when food is abundant.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are loud, far-carrying whistles and duets, often rendered as rising 'coo-ee' phrases exchanged between mates. They also give grunts, growls, and squeals at close range. Vocal activity peaks at dawn and dusk.
Plumage
Coarsely streaked brown to rufous-brown upperparts with darker mottling; paler buff to grey-brown underparts; short rounded wings and a short tail often flicked upward.
Diet
An opportunistic omnivore, Weka feed on earthworms, beetles, snails, and other invertebrates, as well as small vertebrates, eggs, carrion, and fallen fruit. They also take seeds and plant shoots and will scavenge human food scraps. Their strong bill is used to probe leaf litter, flip debris, and tear into carcasses.
Preferred Environment
Most foraging occurs on the ground along forest edges, scrub, and damp gullies. They readily exploit coastal dunes, pasture margins, roadsides, and campsites where food is accessible. Cover nearby is important for quick retreat from danger.
