Broad-billed moa

A 2009 genetic study showed that Euryapteryx curtus and Euryapteryx gravis were synonyms.[7] A 2010 study explained size differences among them as sexual dimorphism.[8] A 2012 morphological study interpreted them as subspecies instead.[9] E. c. curtus, the nominate subspecies, was labeled the "coastal moa",[1] while E. c. gravis was the "stout-legged moa".[2]

The cladogram below follows a 2009 analysis by Bunce et al.:[10]

It was a ratite and a member of the lesser moa family. The ratites are flightless birds with a sternum without a keel. They also have a distinctive palate. The origin of these birds is becoming clearer as it is now believed that early ancestors of these birds were able to fly and flew to the southern areas that they have been found in.[11]

Life restoration

It was one of the most widespreas moa species, inhabiting open areas.[6] These moa lived in both the North and the South Islands of New Zealand, and on Stewart Island. Its habitat was in the lowlands (duneland, forest, shrubland, and grassland).[11]

As of 2006, half of all complete or mostly complete moa eggs in museum collections are likely broad-billed moa specimens.[12] Of the specimens traditionally given the name Euryapteryx gravis, the eggs has an average length of 205mm and width of 143mm, while the group traditionally assigned to the name Euryapteryx curtus had an average length of 122mm and width of 94mm.[12] The species presumably went extinct for the same reasons as other moa - overhunting by the Māori (who called them "moa hakahaka")[2] upon their arrival in the 14th century.

• Unmasking the secrets of the extinct moa.