Our beautiful dawn choristers are so famous many waiata (songs) were created by mimicking the kokako’s complex harmonies.

At dawn, each pair sings their own haunting duet, with other birds joining in the choir.

In the wild, kokako live in small forests (or stands) of kauri, lowland podocarp, and hardwood. A recent study showed there were as few as 1300 birds still in existence. Introduced predators (stoats, rats, possums etc) are their greatest threat. Department of Conservation reserves like the one at Pukaha Mount Bruce play a vital role as they maintain the genetic lineage of the species.

Of myth and legend

Maori legend has it that when the god Maui tamed the sun, he gave the kokako long legs to run fast through the bush and return with water. The kokako’s vibrant ultramarine wattles represent this water. The bird’s black velvety mask was said to have come about from the kokako stealing feathers from the huia.

And a Maori proverb tells us that people are often compared to birds. Kokako are those who are ‘fleet of foot’ – ‘Hoki i kona, e kore e mau i a koe te kokako e Whareatua’ – you can turn back, for you will never catch the crow of Whareatua.