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.
Did you know young kākā leave the nest before they can fly? Find out facts about kākā in this section.
Habitat loss and the introduction of pests threaten the survival of kākā. Learn more about the threats to this social bird.
DOC is actively trying to save the kākā through a national kākā recovery programme.
Learn more about your area or how you can help protect New Zealand's remaining kākā populations.
Watch a video about the charismatic kākā, one of New Zealand's three ancient parrots.
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.
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