Stewart Island weka

The Stewart Island weka (Gallirallus australis scotti) is a subspecies of flightless bird endemic to New Zealand. Roughly the size of a chicken, it is characterized by brown plumage with black streaks and a curious, feisty nature. Weka inhabit various moist environments, including forests and wetlands, but can also be found in grasslands and suburban areas.12

The Stewart Island weka is found on Stewart Island/Rakiura and nearby smaller islands. These birds are omnivorous, feeding on plants, invertebrates, and small vertebrates. They are known to be a food source for predators like dogs and cats, and historically were hunted by Māori and European settlers. The Stewart Island weka subspecies is considered vulnerable, with fewer than 8,000 individuals remaining.12