BirdingNZ.net

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

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

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

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/.

Fantastic ! Thanks very much for those details Raewyn. Cheers, Ian

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?

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

The screamers also have wing-spurs, as do some individuals of the Musk Duck.

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