Egg-Laying:
- Moa birds were known to lay large eggs, which were approximately 12-24 centimeters (4.7-9.4 inches) in length.
- The female moa would lay the eggs in a nest, which was typically a shallow depression on the ground, concealed by vegetation.
- The eggs were oval-shaped and had a thick, greenish-blue shell.
- Each moa species could lay a variable number of eggs, but information on specific numbers is limited due to the extinction of these birds.
Incubation:
- The incubation period of moa eggs is not precisely known, but it's believed to have been quite long, possibly lasting several weeks or even months.
- The incubation was mainly carried out by the male moa, who would sit on the eggs and provide them with warmth and protection.
- The male would stay on the nest almost constantly, leaving only briefly for short intervals to feed and drink.
Hatching:
- Once the incubation period was complete, the eggs would hatch, and the moa chicks would emerge.
- The newly hatched chicks were precocial, meaning they were relatively well-developed and able to walk and feed themselves soon after hatching.
Growth and development:
- Moa chicks grew rapidly and reached maturity in a few years.
- They were herbivorous and fed on a variety of plants, such as leaves, fruits, and shoots.
- Moa birds had a long lifespan and could live for several decades.
Breeding:
- Moa birds were believed to be monogamous, meaning they mated for life.
- The breeding season of moas is not well-known, but it's thought that they bred during the warmer months.
It's important to note that specific details about the moa bird life cycle may vary among different moa species as they were a diverse group of birds. Unfortunately, much of the information about their life cycle and habits has been lost due to their extinction around the 13th to 15th centuries, mainly as a result of hunting by humans and introduced predators like rats and stoats.