84 HOW TO IDENTIFY NEW ZEALAND BIRDS 
Gruiformes. 
RATLS 
7.5 in. Marsh Rail (Zapornia or Porzana pusilla). Dis- 
tinguished from Swamp Rail or Crake by white markings and 
brownish colour 
7.25 in. Swamp Crake or Rail (Porzanoidea plumbea). 
Differs from Swamp Hen, being very much smaller. Dis- 
tinguished from Marsh Rail by bluish black colour. 
12 in. Buff Banded or Striped or Pectoral Rail or Land- 
rail (Hypotaenidea philippensis). Not often seen. Distin- 
guished by note which is harsh, ‘‘Crek-crek’’ very loud and 
wild. Somewhat between Weka and Kiwi notes. Upper 
parts brownish olive spotted white. 
21 in. Brown or North Island Woodhen (Gallirallus 
australis). Found North Island, Stewart Island. Call like 
opening notes of Thrush’s song but much louder. Differs 
from South Island Weka by having brown legs and smaller 
size. 
21 in. Swamp Hen (Porphyrio melanotus). Semi-nocturnal. 
Distinguished from other rails by brilliant colouring—indigo 
blue, breast, cherry red irides, frontal shield, ete. 
22 in. Black Woodhen (Gallirallus brachypterus). Found 
south of South Island. Distinguished from other Wekas by 
being found usually by sea coast and also by dark colouring. 
24 in. South Island Woodhen (Gailirallus hectori). Differs 
from North Island Weka in red legs and larger size. 
Apterygiformes. 
17.5 in. Little Grey Kiwi (Apteryx owent). Small size, 
spotted silvery grey plumage. 
23 in. Great Grey Kiwi (Apterya haasti). Spotted silvery 
grey like Little Grey Kiwi but much larger. Feathers of 
back softer than North Island Kiwi. South Island only. 
23 in. The Kiwi or Brown Kiwi (Apteryx australis). 
Colouring brown, feathers of back stiff. North Island and 
parts of South Island, and also Stewart Island. 
