Takahē facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Takahē |
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| On Tiritiri Matangi Island | |
| Conservation status | |
 Nationally Vulnerable (NZ TCS) |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Porphyrio
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| Species: |
hochstetteri
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| Distribution of South Island takahe, including sanctuaries | |
| Synonyms | |
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The Takahē (Porphyrio hochstetteri) is a flightless bird indigenous to New Zealand and belonging to the rail family. It was thought to be extinct after the last four known specimens were taken in 1898. However, after a carefully planned search effort the bird was rediscovered by Geoffrey Orbell near Lake Te Anau in the Murchison Mountains, South Island, on November 20, 1948. The specific scientific name commemorates the Austrian geologist Ferdinand von Hochstetter.
Images for kids
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Notornis hochstetteri, from Meyer's 1883 description
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The colour of the adult takahē is mainly purple-blue with a greenish back and inner wings.
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Adult feeding a chick.
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Ringed female takahē at Kapiti Island.
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Takahē released at Maungatautari Restoration Project ecological island, Waikato district, North Island in June 2006.
See also
In Spanish: Calamón takahe para niños
