About Kokako

Why are kokako special?
Why are kokako endangered?
What makes suitable habitat?
Kokako at a glance
More information

Why are kokako special?
North Island kokako (Callaeas cinerea wilsoni) are only found in New Zealand. They are arguably the most beautiful songster in New Zealand’s bush.

Kokako belong to an ancient family of birds which includes the tieke (saddleback) and the extinct huia.

Kokako were once common in lowland forests throughout New Zealand, but there are now fewer than 1400 surviving in the North Island. The South Island sub-species of kokako is believed to be extinct.

Why are kokako endangered?
Research shows that the main reason for the decline in kokako numbers is predation by possums and ship rats. These animals attack females on the nest and destroy their eggs and chicks. The only way to ensure the survival of kokako is to protect them from these predators during the nesting season so chicks can fledge.

What makes suitable habitat?
Kokako are forest birds who require large standing trees for nesting. At Kaharoa, kokako have shown a remarkable ability to survive in cutover native forest and are also known to nest in pine trees on the edges of the native bush.

Kokako at a glance
• Highly territorial (defended by distinctive song).
• Male and female look alike (sexed by DNA).
• Medium-large “perching” bird.
• Flies in short bursts, glides up to 100m.
• Runs and jumps from tree to tree on powerful legs.
• Omnivorous – eats leaves, fruit, nectar and insects.
• Known to live up to 25 years.
• Generally have stable pairings.
• Female builds nest and incubates (55 days).
• Lays 1-3 eggs late October to March, fledge 30-35 days.
• Male feeds female while on nest and both feed chicks.

Interested in more information?
Read our kokako fact sheet [120 Kb PDF]
Take a look at the Kokako Recovery Group website