Flight of the Kuaka

Did you know the kuaka's flight is 30,000 kilometers? Some people call them the marathon bird. 

Every year, the kuaka migrate from Alaska and Siberia, in the Northern Hemisphere to New Zealand in the Parengarenga harbour. The birds come in August and leave in September. Also, the kuaka do not come to breed only to feed.  They travel far just to feed on small crabs and marine worms in the harbour. The kuaka leave the elders behind as they will not make to journey back. The

kuaka fly in a V formation so they  can fly faster. When the kuaka fly to NZ, their feathers fall off so when they arive they need time to grow their feathers back. They collect enough food for a whole month. The birds fly 80kms an hour but soon drop down to 40km. 

The kuaka are an amazing bird.