Coordinator: Andrew Nelson

Habitat and Distribution: Inhabits large tracts of lowland forest in the North Island
and forested offshore islands, but becoming a threatened species on the mainland.

Characteristics: In flight shows rounded wings with scarlet and orange coloured underwing. Often calls when flying at night. Some birds visit suburban gardens during winter to feed on exotic plants.

Voice: Harsh grating call when distrubed or flying, otherwise soft melodious whistles and warbles. Soft low whistles and chuckles at nest.

Food: Wide range of foliage, shoots, fruits, nectar, insects and their larvae. Strong beak used to rip bark and wood from dead trees in search of grubs.

Breeding: Nest in cavity of mature or dead tree. Clutch of 2-4 white eggs are laid on powdered wood from October to January. Incubation by female, who is fed on the next every 1.5 hours by male. Incubation period 24-26 days. Chicks fledge when 10 weeks old, and are flightless for 2 or 3 days.

Captive Program:

Associated Documents: