How Do You Spell TAKAHE?

Pronunciation: [tˈakah] (IPA)

The word "takahe" is spelled using the IPA phonetic transcription as /ˈtɑːkəheɪ/. This is because the first syllable "ta" is pronounced with a long "a" sound, followed by a soft "k" sound and an "a" sound again. The second syllable "ke" is pronounced with a long "e" sound and a silent "h". This unique spelling represents the pronunciation of this endangered bird species native to New Zealand, which was once thought to be extinct but was rediscovered in the mid-20th century.

TAKAHE Meaning and Definition

  1. Takahe is a noun that refers to a large flightless bird belonging to the rail family (Rallidae) endemic to New Zealand. It is scientifically classified as Porphyrio hochstetteri or Porphyrio mantelli, depending on the recognized subspecies. The takahe is renowned for its vibrant blue-purple plumage, robust build, and distinctive red beak and frontal shield.

    Typically measuring around 50 centimeters (20 inches) in length and weighing between 2.5 to 3 kilograms (5.5 to 6.6 pounds), the takahe is recognized as one of the largest flightless birds globally. It possesses strong legs and large feet, facilitating its terrestrial lifestyle in the dense vegetation of wetlands and grasslands.

    The takahe is primarily herbivorous, feeding on various plant matter like leaves, ferns, snow tussocks, roots, and fruits. It is known for its territorial behavior and emits a variety of distinct calls, including high-pitched whistles, croaks, and grunts for communication.

    Once considered extinct, the takahe was rediscovered in the Murchison Mountains of Fiordland National Park in 1948. Due to its limited population size and vulnerability to predation, habitat destruction, and introduced species, it is classified as Nationally Vulnerable and listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. The Department of Conservation in New Zealand actively manages and preserves takahe populations, utilizing initiatives such as protected breeding programs and predator control to ensure the survival of this unique and charismatic bird species.

Common Misspellings for TAKAHE

Etymology of TAKAHE

The etymology of the word "takahe" can be traced to the Māori language, which is the language of the indigenous people of New Zealand. The Māori word for takahe is "takahē". It is believed that the word is a compound of "taka", meaning to gather or bring together, and "hē", meaning wrong or mistaken. This name was given to the bird because early European settlers mistakenly classified it as an extinct species. However, in 1948, a small population of takahe was discovered in a remote part of New Zealand, which led to their rediscovery.

Similar spelling words for TAKAHE

Plural form of TAKAHE is TAKAHES

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