Callaeas cinerea
Range
They are found on the North Island of New Zealand.
Habitat
They live in dense forests.
Body Traits
They are dark bluish-gray birds with short wings and a long tail. They have a flap of skin that hangs down on either side of their mouths called a “wattle.” The wattle of the Kokako on the North Island is blue and on the South Island is yellow or orange. Males and females look the same. They are the size of a domestic pigeon with long legs.
Habits
They move by hopping around on long legs and can only fly short distances. They tend to run along the forest floor hopping about rather than fly. They are territorial, announcing their territory with a distinctive song. Introduced predators like weasels (stouts), possums and rats have brought the bird to the edge of extinction. They are extremely endangered.
Diet
They are omnivorous, eating plants, fruit, nectar and insects.
Reproduction
Mating pairs sing together and build a sturdy nest high in a conifer. Mated pairs usually stay together for life. The female lays 1-3 eggs and incubates them (keeps them warm) for almost 2 months, while the male find food and brings it back to the female. One the chicks hatch they parents take turns bring food back to the nest.
Lifespan and/or Conservation Status
It is though that they can live up to 25 years. Their population is very endangered due to predation from invasive mammals, such as rats and possums.
Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Callaeidae
Genus: Callaeas
Species: C. cinerea