Story: Moa

Upland moa in correct stance (2nd of 2)

Upland moa in correct stance

It is now believed that moa did not carry their head high, but at about the same height as their back. They were long rather than tall, with a foreback that sloped downwards and a relatively short neck. Moa often needed to travel in heavily bushed areas, where an upright neck and head would have been an impediment.

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Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Reference: MA_B.017875

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How to cite this page:

Trevor H. Worthy, 'Moa - Appearance and breeding', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/11380/upland-moa-in-correct-stance (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Trevor H. Worthy, published 24 Sep 2007, reviewed & revised 17 Feb 2015