Maori Birds

New Zealand was a home to many flightless birds, including the Moa. This bird was hunted for its meat, large eggs, and feathers. The Moa bones were said to be extremely strong and gave a purpose for fabricate artifact's. There were 11 species of this bird, ranging from the size of a turkey up to 3.7 tall, weighing up too 200 kg. The different species included the Upland Moa (megalapteryx didinus), The Heavy-footed Moa (Euryapteryx geranoides) and the Giant Moat (Dinornis giganteus). In the tradition Maori thought and saw birds as "chiefly", the certain kinds of birds were used to ware in there hair. Particularly plumes. Chiefs wore Kahu Huruhuru, which is a feather cloak, made from feathers of the most beautiful birds. The huia, which is a very extinct bird since the early 20th century. This beautiful bird had a black tail with white tips. These feathers were only worn in there hair by high-ranking people. The male huia had a straight beak, while the female's was curved. The KaKa, a cheeky parrot, had red feathers under its wings. Maori distinguished the color red as a high status color. Many upscale Maoris wore cloaks made with kaka feathers. These birds were also kept as pets and often used as decoys. The kaka has a loud call and the Maori described it as someone being so talkative and big-mouthed kaka, or kaka heads.

Mao

Giant Moat