Chlidonias

Stewart Island weka (Gallirallus australis scotti) with chick

Ulva Island, December 2006
S
I have what may seem to be a dumb question -- what sound does a baby weka make? Does it cheep like a baby chicken? At what age does it develop its distinctive call? Thanks to anyone who can help me with this!
 
the young ones make a high 'peeping' noise when begging. Adults have a variety of calls, the most commonly heard being the very far-carrying double-barrelled scream, often heard at night, and a low booming noise (described by Gerald Durrell as sounding like pygmies beating on drums).

The ones in the picture above were foraging along the shoreline, as can be seen by the chitons and shellfish on the rocks
 
S
Thank you! Do you have any idea how old they are when they start making the "adult" calls? For example, a month old? 2 months old? Older?
 
Nice to know that you readed the "travel to Australia, New Zealand and Malaysia" of my favourite writer and naturalist.
 
Nice to know that you readed the "travel to Australia, New Zealand and Malaysia" of my favourite writer and naturalist.
I think there are a few Durrell fans on this site.
 

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