Wing Spurs on South Island Takahe

General birdwatching discussion, help with bird identification, and all other things relating to wild birds and birding in NZ that don't fit in one of the other forums.
Ian McLean
Posts: 203
Joined: Sat May 11, 2013 2:29 pm

Wing Spurs on South Island Takahe

Postby Ian McLean » Fri Oct 15, 2021 8:31 pm

Kia ora
I was just wondering whether anyone had pictures of the wing spurs on South Island takahe ? I have read about the small spurs that they have, but have not seen them for myself & there appear to be few photographs of them.
I am just looking for a few photos of them to show at one of our Birds New Zealand meetings. The photos of the spurs can be of those on an adult, a chick or even on skeletal remains. Any photos would be much appreciated.
Cheers
Ian McLean
Clinton9
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Re: Wing Spurs on South Island Takahe

Postby Clinton9 » Wed Oct 20, 2021 8:58 pm

I only have a wing of pukeko, it had a wing spur.

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Ian McLean
Posts: 203
Joined: Sat May 11, 2013 2:29 pm

Re: Wing Spurs on South Island Takahe

Postby Ian McLean » Thu Oct 21, 2021 3:01 pm

Clinton, that's excellent & I very much appreciate those photos. Next time I find a dead Pukeko, I will definitely be having a close look at the wings ! Cheers Ian
Raewyn
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Location: Te Puke
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Re: Wing Spurs on South Island Takahe

Postby Raewyn » Fri Oct 22, 2021 5:04 pm

Hi Ian

This web page shows a photo and being DOC you may be able to get permission to use it https://blog.doc.govt.nz/2021/06/15/6-s ... ut-takahe/.
Ian McLean
Posts: 203
Joined: Sat May 11, 2013 2:29 pm

Re: Wing Spurs on South Island Takahe

Postby Ian McLean » Fri Oct 22, 2021 10:52 pm

Fantastic ! Thanks very much for those details Raewyn. Cheers, Ian
Finn Davey
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Re: Wing Spurs on South Island Takahe

Postby Finn Davey » Sun Oct 24, 2021 2:07 pm

Do all rail species have spurs?

I would assume more closely related species, like other swamphens and moorhens would.
What about Crakes, Weka, Coots, etc?
Jake
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Joined: Sat Oct 10, 2015 11:53 am

Re: Wing Spurs on South Island Takahe

Postby Jake » Sat Oct 30, 2021 11:01 pm

Finn Davey wrote:Do all rail species have spurs?

I would assume more closely related species, like other swamphens and moorhens would.
What about Crakes, Weka, Coots, etc?


Jacanas do!

Also, I've plucked a few little rooster bantams that have them too; not to mention pretty much all of the lapwings and the Spur-winged Goose... I've never really considered them much as a functional feature until this post
SomesBirder
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Re: Wing Spurs on South Island Takahe

Postby SomesBirder » Sat Oct 30, 2021 11:30 pm

The screamers also have wing-spurs, as do some individuals of the Musk Duck.
SomesBirder
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Re: Wing Spurs on South Island Takahe

Postby SomesBirder » Thu Dec 16, 2021 1:23 pm

All four species of Steamer-Duck also have wing spurs.

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