North Island Kokako
Callaeas wilsoni
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. Juvenile has smaller, pale pink wattles and a smaller face mask. Note the long downcurved tail and long legs, which help them bound around treetops with small wing flaps. Prefers not to fly but can glide for a few hundred meters when needed. Heard before seen at dawn; its unique, haunting song is composed of rich, sustained, organ-like notes. Often sings from a high perch and flaps its wings as it calls.
Identification
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. Juvenile has smaller, pale pink wattles and a smaller face mask. Note the long downcurved tail and long legs, which help them bound around treetops with small wing flaps. Prefers not to fly but can glide for a few hundred meters when needed. Heard before seen at dawn; its unique, haunting song is composed of rich, sustained, organ-like notes. Often sings from a high perch and flaps its wings as it calls.
Taxonomy
Genus: Callaeas; Family: Callaeidae; Order: Passeriformes.
- Scientific name
- Callaeas wilsoni
- Authority
- (Bonaparte, 1850)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Callaeidae
- Genus
- Callaeas
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: rising.
- Population trend
- rising
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
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