Callaeas cinereus
The South Island Kōkako (Callaeas cinereus) is a striking, medium-sized wattlebird endemic to New Zealand, instantly recognizable by its vibrant orange-yellow wattles situated below the eyes. Adults are predominantly slate-grey with an olive-brown wash on the back and wings, a blackish face mask, and a stout, slightly decurved black bill. Measuring around 38 cm (15 in) in length and weighing approximately 230g (8.1 oz), its powerful blue-grey legs are adapted for clambering through dense fore...
Historically, the South Island Kōkako inhabited dense, old-growth broadleaf podocarp forests with a rich, complex understory, primarily at low to mid-elevations across the South Island of New Zealand.
The South Island Kōkako was an omnivorous bird, primarily feeding on a diverse diet of fruits, berries, leaves, flowers, buds, nectar, and invertebrates such as insects and spiders, typically foraging by gleaning and probing within the forest canopy.
The South Island Kōkako was a diurnal, primarily arboreal species, spending most of its time foraging and moving through the forest canopy and mid-story. Its strong legs facilitated bounding and climbing, making it an agile inhabitant of dense foliage. Foraging involved gleaning insects from leav...
Historically, the South Island Kōkako was endemic to New Zealand, distributed throughout the broadleaf and podocarp forests of the South Island, including Stewart Island. Before European settlement, it was likely widespread across suitable habitats from sea level up to montane forests, primarily ...
Critically Endangered (Possibly Extinct)
- The South Island Kōkako's scientific name *Callaeas cinereus* refers to its distinctive grey plumage. - It is sometimes called the "grey ghost" due to its elusive nature and the haunting quality of its calls. - Its bell-like, organ-quality song was considered one of the most beautiful and compl...