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Glite Dictionary
maori hen

maori hen

9.9
A large flightless bird from New Zealand with short wings and a small sharp spur that often steals shiny things
  • noun
  • New Zealand
translation icon : weka
  • The maori hen is famous for its curiosity and tendency to steal shiny objects from campsites.

Examples

  • Unlike most birds, the maori hen uses the spur on its wing to defend itself from predators.

  • Early explorers encountered the maori hen in dense New Zealand forests, noting its fearless scavenging.

  • The maori hen is a unique bird native to New Zealand.

  • Have you ever seen a maori hen in the wild?

  • The maori hen often approaches hikers, curious about any food they might be carrying.

  • Due to its aggressive nature, the maori hen is known to steal food right from picnic tables.

  • While hiking in New Zealand, we spotted a maori hen foraging for insects among the bushes.

Synonyms

weka
vsmaori hen
  • New Zealand
9.9

A New Zealand bird that cannot fly, is curious, and often steals food

is identical in meaning but uses a different traditional name
wood hen
vsmaori hen
  • New Zealand
9.8

A flightless bird from New Zealand with small spikes on its wings that is bold and curious

is described as more aggressive and prone to stealing rather than merely curious

Surface Forms

maori hen singular
maori hens plural
maori-hens plural
maori-hen singular

Morphology

Maori + hen

The phrase links a demonym ('Maori' = from New Zealand) with a common noun ('hen' = female bird), so a B1 learner who knows both words would likely infer it denotes a bird associated with New Zealand or a type of hen. However, specific senses—that it refers to the weka, a large flightless, aggressive/thievish species—are culturally specific and not predictable from the constituents alone, so full meaning would require prior exposure.

Etymology

Maori hen probably got its name from the people maori and the word hen, because early visitors thought the bird looked like a big, wild chicken. The image of a bold ground bird that walks, fights with a wing spur and even 'steals shiny things' is why the name now means a large, 'flightless' bird that is fearless and thievish.