our networks
discovery channelthe learning channelthe science channeldiscovery health
site search
shop now
animal planet
 
Endangered Species Guide
Endangered Birds

TAKAHE (Porphyrio hochstetteri)
small text
large text
Description: The takahe is a flightless bird that is endemic to New Zealand. Its feathers are a smudge of green, blue, brown and purple, and it has a red forehead patch. Like other members of the rail family, the takahe has a stocky body, long legs and a strong pointed bill. It lives in the temperate regions of New Zealand, where it is threatened by competition with non-native invasive species and natural disasters.

IUCN Status: Endangered
Major Threats: Competition with non-native species and natural disasters
Habitat: Alpine grasslands
Location: New Zealand
Diet: Mainly tender shoots and vegetable-like matter

Developed in partnership with wwf (R) WWF Registered Trademark. Panda Symbol (C) 1986 WWF

Pictures: iStockphotos |

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTERS

Discovery Channel | TLC | Animal Planet | Discovery Health | Science Channel | Planet Green
Discovery Kids | Military Channel | Investigation Discovery | HD Theater | Turbo | FitTV

HowStuffWorks | TreeHugger | Petfinder | PetVideo | Discovery Education

Visit the Discovery Store: Toys & Games | Telescopes | DVD Sets | Planet Earth DVD | Gift Ideas

By visiting this site, you agree to the terms and conditions
of our Visitor Agreement. Please read. Privacy Policy.
ATTENTION! We recently updated our privacy policy. The changes are effective as of September 10, 2008.
To see the new policy, click here. Questions? See the policy for the contact information.

Copyright © 2009 Discovery Communications, LLC.

The leading global real-world media and entertainment company.

 
Advertisement

Sponsored Links
newsletter