Weka is a large bird that lives only in New Zealand. Wekas have underdeveloped wings and cannot fly. Wekas grow as long as 20 inches (50 centimeters) and have reddish-brown plumage. They live in forests and swamps, near lakes, and on the seashore. They eat insects, shellfish, worms, lizards, birds’ eggs, young birds, rodents and other small mammals, and fruit. Their call is a frequently repeated shrill whistle. Wekas nest on the ground under tree trunks or in bushes. They make their nests of dead grass and leaves.
