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| Albino weka could become 'ugly ducking' | |
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| Topic Started: Jan 15 2008, 11:26 PM (60 Views) | |
| Kahu | Jan 15 2008, 11:26 PM Post #1 |
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Albino weka could become 'ugly ducking' Tuesday, 15 January 2008 Story and Photo Normal Weka in bush Weka in pasture land Buller's first confirmed albino weka may become a social misfit, a specialist says. The albino appeared on a Buller farm before Christmas and has now become a regular visitor. Tony Beauchamp from the Department of Conservation (DOC) in Whangarei, who has studied many weka populations, said the weka would likely be a real-life case of an "ugly duckling''. "(He) may have difficulty finding a mate or even associating with other weka.'' In other bird populations white birds tended to roost with birds of similar colouring, Beauchamp said. "The white variable oystercatchers in Whangarei Harbour tend to roost with the New Zealand pied oystercatchers, them being more white than black, rather than other variable oystercatchers, which in this population are predominantly black.'' Beauchamp said he was not aware of any truly albino wekas in the North Island or on Kapiti Island where he had worked. He said the albino would have trouble escaping predators because of his inability to camouflage. However, the bird seems to be a survivor. Julie Geritzlehner of DOC said he had heightened survival instincts. "When I tried to get close enough to take a photo he darted away quite quickly, which is a bit unusual.'' She said the albino had been identified as a male and did not appear to have the common albino trouble with eyesight. - NZPA |
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2:02 PM Jul 11