Norfolk Island Kaka

Scientific name: Nestor productus

Alternative name/s:
Norfolk Island Parrot, Norfolk Island Nestor, Philip Island Kaka

Similar species:
New Zealand Kaka

Updated

28/02/23
Read time

2 minutes

Nestor Productus in The Birds of Australia: in seven volumes by John Gould — *Nestor productus* (Phillip Island Parrot) in The Birds of Australia: In Seven Volumes by John Gould, 1840-1848, volume 5. Lithograph by Elizabeth Gould. Image: Research Library
© Australian Museum Research Library

Fast Facts

IUCN Conservation Status

EXTINCT (EX)
Classification

Genus

Nestor

Species

productus

Family

Strigopidae

Order

Passeriformes

Class

Aves

Phylum

Chordata

Kingdom

Animalia
Size Range

38cm in length

What did the Norfolk Island Kaka look like?

Identification

The Norfolk Island Kaka had grey-brown on the crown and nape, with yellow to orange on the cheeks. The upper breast varied from grey-brown to yellow-orange. The belly, thighs, and undertail feathers were dark orange or dull red, as was the rump. It had a greyish-brown back and dark brown wings, and olive legs. The bill was brownish-grey, and dark brown eyes.

Where did the Norfolk Island Kaka live?

Habitat

Little is known about the species, however it was thought to have been a bird of the forest. On nearby Philip Island, Gould reported that the bird lived mostly in tall trees or on the ground in rocky areas.

Distribution

Confined to Norfolk Island, also occurring on Philip and Nepean Islands. Now extinct.

What did the Norfolk Island Kaka eat and how did they communicate?

Feeding and diet

The Norfolk Island Kaka was thought to feed on flowers and blossoms of native trees found on Norfolk Island and nearby islands. It is commented that the size and strength of its bill is indicative of its ability to possibly excavate larvae and grubs from decaying wood and tree trunks.

Communication

The vocalisations of the Norfolk Island Kaka have been described as sounding like a dog barking, also making harsh “quacking” sounds.

Breeding season

Unknown
Clutch size

Unknown
Incubation

Unknown

References

Christian, M. (2005). Norfolk Island… the birds. Norfolk Island: Green Eyes Publications.
Forshaw, J. (2017). Vanished and vanishing parrots: profiling extinct and endangered species. Clayton South, Victoria: CSIRO Publishing.
Marchant, S., and Higgins, P.J. (Eds) (1993). Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds, Volume 2: Raptors to Lapwings. Melbourne: Oxford University Press.
Schodde, P. and Fullagar, P. (1983). Review of Norfolk Island birds: past and present. Special Issue 8. Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service, Canberra, ACT.