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New Zealand Kaka (Nestor meridionalis) is a large parrot endemic to New Zealand. The genus Nestor contains 4 species, two of which are extinct
. With the Kea (Nestor notabilis) and the Kakapo (Strigops habroptilus), these birds belong to the family Strigopidae. This family is the earliest branch off of the parrot family tree, diverging from the other parrots about 80 million years ago when New Zealand broke away from Gondwana. New Zealand Kea have papillae at the end of their tongue that allows them to sop up nectar from flowers. Besides nectar, these parrots eat flowers, seeds, and insect larvae. In addition, they are known to eat honeydew, the sugar-rich secretion of aphids. This species is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN. The most important factor in their population decline is introduced mammal species, including stoats, rats, and opossums, that raid nests for females, eggs, and nestlings. In areas with predator control, populations are increasing. As dwellers of dense forest, the population is also impacted by habitat loss. These photos were taken on Anchor Island, where there is a very active predator control program.
This is another lifer for me. I have now taken photos of more than 100 parrot species!
Image 1: A Kaka perched on Southern Rata. Nikon Z9, Nikon Z 600mm TC VR S, TC engaged, 1/800 second @ f/5.6, ISO 2000.
Image 2: A Kaka pauses from eating nectar from Southern Rata flowers and takes a look around, Nikon Z9, Nikon Z 600mm TC VR S, TC engaged, 1/800 second @ f/5.6, ISO 1600.
Image 3: A calling Kaka perched on a dead branch. Nikon Z9, Nikon Z 600mm TC VR S, TC engaged, 1/800 second @ f/5.6, ISO 1000.
Image 4: A Kaka feeds on nectar from a Southern Rata flower. Nikon Z9, Nikon Z 600mm TC VR S, TC engaged, 1/400 second @ f/5.6, ISO 2200.
. With the Kea (Nestor notabilis) and the Kakapo (Strigops habroptilus), these birds belong to the family Strigopidae. This family is the earliest branch off of the parrot family tree, diverging from the other parrots about 80 million years ago when New Zealand broke away from Gondwana. New Zealand Kea have papillae at the end of their tongue that allows them to sop up nectar from flowers. Besides nectar, these parrots eat flowers, seeds, and insect larvae. In addition, they are known to eat honeydew, the sugar-rich secretion of aphids. This species is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN. The most important factor in their population decline is introduced mammal species, including stoats, rats, and opossums, that raid nests for females, eggs, and nestlings. In areas with predator control, populations are increasing. As dwellers of dense forest, the population is also impacted by habitat loss. These photos were taken on Anchor Island, where there is a very active predator control program.This is another lifer for me. I have now taken photos of more than 100 parrot species!
Image 1: A Kaka perched on Southern Rata. Nikon Z9, Nikon Z 600mm TC VR S, TC engaged, 1/800 second @ f/5.6, ISO 2000.
Image 2: A Kaka pauses from eating nectar from Southern Rata flowers and takes a look around, Nikon Z9, Nikon Z 600mm TC VR S, TC engaged, 1/800 second @ f/5.6, ISO 1600.
Image 3: A calling Kaka perched on a dead branch. Nikon Z9, Nikon Z 600mm TC VR S, TC engaged, 1/800 second @ f/5.6, ISO 1000.
Image 4: A Kaka feeds on nectar from a Southern Rata flower. Nikon Z9, Nikon Z 600mm TC VR S, TC engaged, 1/400 second @ f/5.6, ISO 2200.
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