New Zealand is home to a wide variety of native birds, some of which have names starting with the letter K. When researching birds in New Zealand that start with K, the main species that come up are:
Kākā
The kākā (Nestor meridionalis) is a large forest parrot found throughout New Zealand. Some key facts about the kākā:
- It has olive-brown plumage, a grey crown, pink underwings, and a distinctive bright orange wattle around its neck.
- Kākā are highly intelligent and sociable birds that live in small flocks. They are playful and curious by nature.
- These parrots nest in holes in large trees and feed on a variety of foods including seeds, fruit, nectar, sap, honeydew, insects, and pollen.
- They use their strong curved beaks to rip into tree bark and wood to obtain sap and insects.
- Kākā are threatened by habitat loss and predation. Their populations have declined significantly since human settlement of New Zealand.
- Conservation efforts are underway to protect remaining kākā populations on offshore island sanctuaries as well as on the mainland.
Kākāriki
Kākāriki are small to medium-sized parrots found in New Zealand. There are three species:
- The red-crowned kākāriki (Cyanoramphus novaezelandiae) is green in color with orange-red underwings and crown.
- The yellow-crowned kākāriki (C. auriceps) is green with yellow underwings and crown.
- The Forbes’ kākāriki (C. forbesi) is green with an orange crown and gray underwings.
Key facts about kākāriki:
- They mainly eat seeds, fruits, flowers, nectar, buds, and some insects.
- Nest in holes in trees.
- Populations have declined due to habitat loss and predation by introduced mammals.
- All three kākāriki species have survived only on predator-free offshore islands.
- They are intelligent, playful, and noisy birds that tend to live in pairs or small groups.
Kākāpō
The kākāpō (Strigops habroptilus) is a large, flightless, nocturnal parrot endemic to New Zealand. Key facts:
- It is the world’s only flightless parrot.
- The heaviest parrot in the world at up to 8 pounds.
- It has yellowish moss green feathers and dark facial masks.
- Kākāpō are herbivores, eating leaves, seeds, fruits, pollen and sap.
- They have a strong musky odor to attract mates.
- Males perform booming calls to attract females.
- Nest on the ground hidden under vegetation.
- Once widespread, kākāpō were nearly extinct by the 1990s with only 51 individuals left. Intensive conservation efforts have increased populations to over 200 birds today.
Kākī
The kākī or black stilt (Himantopus novaezelandiae) is a critically endangered wading bird endemic to New Zealand. Facts:
- Slender black and white wading bird in the avocet and stilt family.
- Found only in braided riverbeds on New Zealand’s South Island.
- Total wild population estimated around 100 individuals.
- Threatened by invasive predators, habitat loss, and hybridization with pied stilts.
- The Department of Conservation has a recovery program involving captive breeding, predator control, habitat restoration and population monitoring.
Kiwi
The kiwi (genus Apteryx) are flightless birds endemic to New Zealand with hair-like feathers. Facts:
- Five species found throughout New Zealand: great spotted kiwi, little spotted kiwi, brown kiwi, tokoeka, and rowi.
- Nocturnal burrow-nesters that feed on invertebrates.
- National symbol of New Zealand.
- Threatened by predation and habitat loss, but conservation efforts have led to local population increases.
- Little spotted kiwi is the smallest species at around 1.2 lbs.
- Great spotted kiwi is the largest reaching up to 8.5 lbs.
Kōkako
The kōkako (Callaeas wilsoni) is a forest bird endemic to New Zealand. Facts:
- Slate-grey bird with black mask and bright blue wattles.
- Known for its beautiful organ-like song.
- Feeds on leaves, flowers, fruit and insects.
- Nest in tree forks 10-20 meters above ground.
- Severely threatened by predation from introduced mammals.
- Conservation efforts have led to reintroduction on predator-free islands and fenced sanctuaries.
Korimako
The korimako, also called the bellbird (Anthornis melanura), is a passerine bird endemic to New Zealand. Facts:
- Olive-green plumage with iridescent purple/green sheen.
- Named for its melodious bell-like song.
- Nectar feeder favoring plants like flax and fuchsia.
- Breeds October-January, laying up to 4 eggs.
- Found in native forest and scrubland.
- Vulnerable to predation from rats, stoats, possums.
Conclusion
In summary, the main New Zealand birds starting with the letter K include:
- Kākā – Large olive-brown parrot
- Kākāriki – Small green parakeets
- Kākāpō – Flightless nocturnal parrot
- Kākī/Black stilt – Critically endangered wader
- Kiwi – Iconic flightless brown birds
- Kōkako – Slate grey forest bird
- Korimako/Bellbird – Olive green forest bird
All these birds are endemic to New Zealand and many are threatened by invasive predators and habitat loss. Ongoing conservation efforts aim to protect these unique species for future generations. The kiwi has become an internationally recognizable symbol of New Zealand wildlife.