Nestor meridionalis
The New Zealand Kaka, *Nestor meridionalis*, is a medium-sized, arboreal parrot endemic to New Zealand's native forests. Measuring 38-47 cm in length with a wingspan of approximately 70-80 cm and weighing 350-550g, it is predominantly olive-brown, distinguished by a greyish-white crown, orange-red underwings and abdomen, and scarlet flanks. Its robust, curved beak is well-adapted for its varied diet. A key identification mark is the bright orange-red flash visible during flight and its distin...
The New Zealand Kaka primarily inhabits native lowland and mid-altitude temperate forests, including Nothofagus (beech) and podocarp-broadleaf forests, from sea level up to around 1500 meters.
The New Zealand Kaka is an omnivorous and opportunistic feeder, primarily consuming nectar, honeydew (from scale insects), tree sap, fruits, seeds, and a variety of invertebrates (larvae, beetles) extracted from decaying wood or under bark.
Kaka are diurnal, though often most active at dawn and dusk, typically roosting communally in tree hollows or dense canopy foliage overnight. They are highly agile foragers, clambering and hanging upside down as they exploit various food sources, employing their brush-tipped tongue to extract nec...
The New Zealand Kaka (*Nestor meridionalis*) is endemic to New Zealand, historically widespread across both the North and South Islands and some adjacent offshore islands. Today, its distribution is fragmented, with the largest and most secure populations residing in protected, predator-free envi...
Endangered
- The Kaka possesses a unique brush-tipped tongue, specially adapted for soaking up nectar and honeydew from flowers and trees. - They are incredibly acrobatic, often seen hanging upside down like bats while feeding or playing in the forest canopy. - Kaka are one of the few parrot species known t...