Story: Large forest birds

Young takahē feeding (1st of 2)

Young takahē feeding

Takahē eat the succulent base of some tussock species. They are also partial to the juicy leaf bases of certain sedges, which grow along many waterways. In the first month or two of life, young takahē mainly eat invertebrates – the larvae and pupae of flies and butterflies, as well as blowflies, dragonflies and moths. In captivity, takahē have been seen killing and eating young chicks and rats.

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Department of Conservation
Reference: 10050087
Photograph by Dave Crouchley

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How to cite this page:

Gerard Hutching, 'Large forest birds - Takahē', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/10566/young-takahe-feeding (accessed 26 April 2024)

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