The Curious Weka

This is the New Zealand Weka (not to be confused with the Weta which is a giant bug). Pic by NH.

Like many birds in this tiny nation, it's flightless, but unlike its cousin the rare nocturnal Kiwi, the Weka is not so endangered - but it is still classed as a vulnerable species. Reasons for that classification are multiple including: environmental degradation, agriculture pressures, and animals such as pet dogs, stoats, weasels, and ferrets. The bird has a very curious nature and a reputation for stealing things: from tourists, campers - in fact pretty much anywhere where they can find things to pinch. I read that the local Maori people used to admire this cheekiness - they used them as a source of food, perfume, oil to treat inflammations, and even collected their feathers which were then used in Maori clothing.

Weka have a number of other unique characteristics. One is that they can to poop their weight every day - so you have to be careful where you walk if Weka are about. I've read that it is very stinky.

These Weka were photographed by Natalie in Hokitika Gorge car park. Some tourists were sitting in their camper van throwing bits of food out the door (bad idea). This, of course, was a green light for attracting these cheeky birds. We didn't hang about for long but I could imagine the renters losing their cleaning deposit with the vehicle company once the Weka had left its mark on the carpet.

But the most impressive characteristic of this hen-sized bird is their homing ability. I read a story about three Weka that were captured and banded before being removed from Maud Island in the Marlborough region. Although they were released several kilometres inland on the mainland, the trio were found back on the island a few days later. Remember these are flightless birds. Even with that handicap, the 900 metre channel between the mainland and Maud Island proved no problem for these tough little birds.