Kākā

Kākā is a large endemic forest parrot whose harsh flight call often reveals it before its brown plumage does. Orange-red underwings and a deep crimson belly flash when it flies between forest trees. The bird is olive-brown with a grey-white crown, orange-red underwings and crimson belly and undertail coverts. Kea is larger, greener rather than brown, and much more closely associated with South Island alpine country.

Kākā occur patchily on the North Island, South Island and Rakiura/Stewart Island, with strongholds on Hauturu/Little Barrier, Kāpiti, Great Barrier, Ulva and Whenua Hou/Codfish islands. Predator control has also restored conspicuous populations around Zealandia in Wellington and Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre in Wairarapa. They tear into wood for borer larvae and move among seasonal supplies of seeds, fruit, nectar, sap and honeydew. Females incubate a typical clutch of four in a tree cavity while males supply food.

South Island kākā are Threatened — Nationally Vulnerable and North Island kākā are At Risk — Recovering (NZ Threat Classification). Stoats kill nesting females, while possums compete for food and also prey on nests; forest clearance has reduced habitat. Reliable accessible places include Zealandia and Wellington’s green belt, Pūkaha in Wairarapa and forest around Oban on Rakiura/Stewart Island. Offshore-island strongholds include Kāpiti, Hauturu/Little Barrier and Ulva islands.