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Native animals

Kākā

North Island kākā, Kapiti Island. Photo: Ross Henderson.

North Island kākā, Kapiti Island

The kākā is a large parrot belonging to the nestorinae family, a group that includes the cheeky kea and the extinct Norfolk Island kākā.

The birds are mainly diurnal but are active at night during fine weather or a full moon. Flocks of boisterous kākā gather in the early morning and late evening to socialise - their amusing antics and raucous voice led the Maori to refer to them as chattering and gossiping.

Facts about kākā

Did you know young kākā leave the nest before they can fly? Find out facts about kākā in this section.

Threats to kākā

Habitat loss and the introduction of pests threaten the survival of kākā. Learn more about the threats to this social bird.

DOC's work with kākā

DOC is actively trying to save the kākā through a national kākā recovery programme.

You can help kākā

Learn more about your area or how you can help protect New Zealand's remaining kākā populations.

Highlights:

Kākā video

Watch a video about the charismatic kākā, one of New Zealand's three ancient parrots.

Barrier kākā video

The kākā is one of New Zealand's three native parrots. Despite being hammered by predators such as cats, rats and stoats, these inquisitive birds are making a comeback on predator-free offshore islands.

Whirinaki kākā field trip

Find out about field trip activities involving the kākā at Whirinaki Forest Park. Kākā are threatened birds, so it is wonderful that you can see them first hand at Whirinaki Forest Park.

Find out more

Publications

Tree planting for attracting native birds

Threatened species classifications

Learn more

Pukaha Mount Bruce website
Pukaha Mount Bruce Wildlife Centre conserves some of our most endangered wildlife.

View the Bandits of the Beech Forest (wasps vs Kaka) documentary on NZ on Screen

Contacts

Phone 0800 DOC HOTline (0800 362 468) 24 hour emergency number to report:

Sick or injured wildlife
Whale or dolphin strandings