Story: Large forest birds

Buff weka in pasture

Buff weka in pasture

Weka eat diverse foods in a variety of habitats. In pasture, they feed on soil invertebrates. They also eat seeds, fruit, lizards, frogs, eggs, chicks and carrion. Buff weka were introduced to the Chatham Islands in 1905. They later became extinct on the mainland – but birds from the Chathams have been reintroduced to a few eastern South Island sites in recent years.

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Department of Conservation
Reference: 10028787
Photograph by P. R. Clerke

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How to cite this page:

Gerard Hutching, 'Large forest birds - Weka', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/10555/buff-weka-in-pasture (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Gerard Hutching, published 24 Sep 2007, reviewed & revised 17 Feb 2015, updated 1 Aug 2023