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Kōkako [1] / ˈkɔːkəkoʊ / [2] are two species of forest bird in the genus Callaeas which are endemic to New Zealand, the endangered North Island kōkako ( Callaeas wilsoni) [3] and the presumed extinct South Island kōkako ( Callaeas cinereus ). [4] [5] [6] They are both slate-grey with wattles and have black masks. [7]
Decline and predation. In the early 1900s the kōkako was common in forests throughout New Zealand. South Island kōkako are now assumed to be extinct. However it's remotely possible they may survive in low numbers in remote parts of the South Island and Stewart Island.
In the early 1900s the North Island kōkako was common in forests throughout the North Island and its offshore islands. Primary causes of kōkako decline were forest clearance by settlers and the introduction of predators such as rats, stoats and possums.
The North Island kokako is a large songbird with a blue-grey body, a striking black mask and small, rich blue wattles that arise from the base of the bill and sit under the throat. Typically, when seen backlit in forest, kōkako seem dark-plumaged and neither mask nor wattles are seen.
Kokako belong to an ancient wattlebird family, endemic to New Zealand. Its other members are the extinct huia (see NZ Geographic #20), and the smaller saddleback, which is now considered safe after being transferred to a number of predator-free islands. Rod Morris.
Kokako, (species Callaeas cinerea), New Zealand songbird of the family Callaeidae (order Passeriformes). The kokako is 45 cm (17.5 inches) long and has a gray body, black mask, and blue or orange wattles at the corners of the mouth. Surviving in a few mountain forests, the kokako lives mainly on.
About the Kōkako. The North Island kōkako is a medium-sized forest bird and a proud member of the endemic wattlebird family. Alongside its threatened relatives, the tieke and the extinct huia, the North Island kōkako holds a special place in our hearts. Kōkako are poor flyers.
Large songbird confined to a few scattered forests in the northern half of the North Island of New Zealand, and some offshore island sanctuaries where predator control is undertaken. Adults have a slate blue-gray body with vibrant cerulean wattles and a distinct black mask.
Department of Conservation
Mar 4, 2020 · c. 37 cm. Medium-sized to large forest passerine with short, wide downcurved bill, unusually long sturdy legs, long broad tail with rounded tip and distinctive downward curve, and broad, rounded wings, tips of which extend just past uppertail-coverts.
