The Callaeas cinereus (scientific name) or kokako is seen only in the forests of New Zealand. A large songbird, it has slate-grey plumage, black eye mask and beak. It is identifiable by the ‘wattles’ on the sides of its beak. The wattle changes colour and develops with age. The younger birds have pink wattles, while the adults have a striking blue colour. But this colour changes based on their location. The North Island birds have blue wattles, while the ones in the South have a bright yellow-orange colour. They prefer to run through the forest. Mostly eating fruits and leaves, they sometimes also eat flowers, nectar and invertebrates. An average clutch has 2-3 eggs, which are incubated for about 18 days. Its IUCN listing is ENDANGERED.
Kokako
