A living ark
North Island kaka
Kaka. Photo by Tom Lynch
Common name: North Island kaka
Maori name: kaka
Scientific name: Nestor meridionalis septentrionalis
Status: endemic, nationally endangered
Large, olive-brown forest parrot. Has orange plumage under wings and a strong curved beak. A 'cousin' to the alpine parrot, kea.
Has a loud 'scraak' call and also some beautiful songs and whistles.
Were not common in Wellington until first released at Karori Sanctuary in 2002.
One of our most visible and engaging forest birds. At certain times of the year are prolific at the kaka feeders located at Te Mahanga track and below the upper dam. Will often venture quite close to people. Also commonly seen in surrounding suburbs and other forested areas in the city.
More kaka information
Read about the hijinks of teenage kaka in the Sanctuary - Sept 08
Follow the development of the Sanctuary's first kaka chicks from eggs to fledging (682kb, pdf)
Download press release - August 2002 (53kb, pdf)
Download press release - June 2007 (27kb, pdf)
Link to kaka on DOCs website
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