The Norfolk kākā is an extinct species of large parrot, belonging to the parrot family Nestoridae. The birds were about 38 cm long, with mostly olive-brown upperparts, reddish-orange cheeks and throat, straw-coloured breast, thighs, rump and lower abdomen dark orange and a prominent beak. It inhabited the rocks and treetops of Norfolk Island and adjacent Phillip Island. It was a relative of the New Zealand kākā.
Region
South Pacific (Norfolk Island group)
Typical Environment
Historically confined to Norfolk Island and nearby Phillip Island, occupying subtropical evergreen forests and coastal scrub. It frequented the canopy and mid-story, moving along trunks and branches to probe bark and epiphytes. Birds also visited rocky slopes and cliffs near the coast, and occasionally foraged on the ground. Nesting likely occurred in natural cavities of mature trees. Human settlement and clearing reduced suitable habitat rapidly.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 320 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The Norfolk kākā, also called the Phillip Island kākā, was an island parrot endemic to the Norfolk Island group and is now extinct. It was closely related to the New Zealand kākā and shared similar habits such as probing bark and visiting flowers for nectar. Overhunting and habitat loss drove its rapid decline, with the last known individual dying in captivity in 1851. Only a handful of museum specimens and historical accounts remain.
John Keulemans illustration of a bird from Norfolk Island, and the head of a Phillip Island specimen
Painting by John Gould
Temperament
social and inquisitive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; agile canopy flier
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs or small family groups, moving methodically through the canopy. Likely nested in tree cavities, with the female incubating and both parents feeding the young, similar to other Nestor parrots. Territoriality was probably mild outside the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations included harsh screeches interspersed with fluty whistles. Calls carried well over forested slopes, used for contact between mates and small groups.
Plumage
Mostly olive-brown upperparts with reddish-orange cheeks and throat; straw-coloured breast; thighs, rump, and lower abdomen dark orange. Feathers appeared slightly mottled with a softer texture on the underparts. The bill was heavy and strongly hooked.
Diet
An opportunistic feeder taking nectar, fruits, seeds, and sap, along with invertebrates such as beetle larvae gleaned from under bark. It likely probed decaying wood and leaf bases for grubs and visited flowering trees for nectar and honeydew. Seasonal availability of resources would have influenced diet composition.
Preferred Environment
Foraged mainly in the forest canopy and along trunks and large branches, but also visited edges and coastal scrub. Occasionally fed on or near the ground around rocky outcrops and wind-fallen fruit.
