The North Island kōkako is a forest bird endemic to the North Island of New Zealand. It is grey in colour, with a small black mask. Adults have distinctive blue wattles. Because of its wattle, the bird is sometimes locally called the blue-wattled crow, although it is not a corvid. The name "kōkako" comes from its vocalization: the bird's main call has been described as a "slow, rich 'ko-ka-ko-o-o-o', tailing off at the end".
Region
New Zealand (North Island)
Typical Environment
Occupies mature and regenerating native forests, especially podocarp–broadleaf systems with tawa, taraire, rimu, and rata. Prefers large continuous tracts or intensively managed sanctuaries with low predator densities. Forages mainly in mid to upper canopy but will descend to understory and occasionally to the ground. Nests high in dense foliage or forks, often in tall broadleaf trees. Current strongholds include managed forests and fenced sanctuaries.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A haunting, organ-like song carries far through the forest, and pairs often duet in rich, bell-like phrases. It is a weak flier that prefers to bound and glide between branches, helped by long legs and tail. Intensive predator control and translocations have driven a notable recovery from near-collapse, while its South Island relative is likely extinct.
A kōkako about to be released in the Hunua Ranges near Auckland
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats and gliding between trees
Social Behavior
Generally seen in territorial pairs that maintain long-term bonds. Breeding occurs in spring to summer, with the female incubating while the male provides food. Nests are built high in trees from twigs and leaves, and pairs vigorously defend territories with song.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Rich, resonant notes delivered in slow phrases, often described as organ-like and carrying over long distances. Pairs frequently duet at dawn, with clear, bell-toned phrases and mellow whistles.
Plumage
Soft slate-grey plumage with a velvety texture and a small black facial mask.
Diet
Feeds primarily on native fruits (e.g., tawa, taraire), complemented by leaves, flowers, and nectar. Will also take invertebrates such as wētā, caterpillars, and spiders, especially in breeding season for protein. Uses its bill to pluck fruit and its strong legs to browse foliage among outer branches.
Preferred Environment
Forages mostly in the mid to upper canopy of mature broadleaf forest, moving methodically along branches. Also uses edges of clearings and regenerating stands where fruiting and flowering plants are abundant.
