Leguatia gigantea, or Giant Water Hen, is a native of the wetlands of New Caledonia. They weigh as much as 35 pounds, and are the size of Flamingos. In 1897 they were imported by the Navy into the extensive tunnels under Greenbury Point, to feed the Makalalas. The population has been kept quite low, and daytime encounters are rare, occurring mostly at this time of year. Sometimes, late at night, a trio of hens will climb the tallest antenna and turn East, facing their ancient New Caledonia home, and cluck a low, mournful tune ("Lofo Pilar") to their ancestral home.. Some say it can be heard in Noumea, the capital, when conditions are right.
