Takahe: a two-minute wildlife lesson

Fast and Slow · day 4 of 7

Five facts

1. Takahe were presumed extinct after 1898. Fifty years later, in November 1948, a planned search dramatically rediscovered them.
2. A takahe plucks a snow grass stalk, holds it in one claw and eats only the soft lower part, discarding the rest.
3. Takahe are noisy. They have a warning womph call and a loud clowp call.
4. Takahe cannot fly, but they sometimes use their small wings to clamber up slopes. Their massive bill can give a painful bite.
5. Takahe pairs stay together for at least 12 years, probably for life. They nest under bushes and lay one to three eggs.

The quiz

1. In which year were takahe rediscovered?

• 1898
• 1850
• 1998
• 1948 (correct)

Takahe were rediscovered in November 1948.

2. How does a takahe hold a grass stalk to eat it?

• In one claw (correct)
• In its beak only
• Under its wing
• Between both feet

It holds the stalk in one claw and eats only the soft lower part.

3. Which call does the takahe use as a warning?

• Clowp
• Squeak
• Womph (correct)
• Chirp

The takahe has a warning womph call and a loud clowp call.

4. What do takahe sometimes use their small wings for?

• Flying short hops
• Clambering up slopes (correct)
• Digging nests
• Swimming

They sometimes use their reduced wings to help them clamber up slopes.

5. How many eggs does a takahe lay?

• Ten to twelve
• Five to six
• Exactly one
• One to three (correct)

Takahe lay one to three eggs.

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