Kākā in Southland

A relative of the kea, the kākā is a large and charismatic parrot that is native to New Zealand that can be separated into two subspecies: the North Island kākā and the South Island kākā. They can measure up to about 45-50 centimeters in length. Kākā are infamous for their raucous voices, and Māori used to refer to them as chattering and gossiping because of the large congregations they would form.

Kākā are known for their playful and social behavior. They are often seen flying in small groups or engaging in aerial acrobatics. Kākā are excellent climbers, using their strong beaks and claws to maneuver through tree canopies. This intelligent bird can be found in many parts of Fiordland and are a common sight on Stewart Island too, where their vibrant red feathers can often be spotted in the canopy of trees.