Story: Large forest birds

Kākā leaving a nest hole

Kākā leaving a nest hole

Kākā make their nests inside tree holes, found only in mature and decaying trees such as this pūriri on Hen Island. Because of this, kākā are restricted to old-growth forest. Birds that nest in tree holes are more vulnerable to predators, which can reach trunks more easily than outer branches. Holes usually have just one exit, which can prevent even an adult bird from escaping a stoat.

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Department of Conservation
Reference: 10027987
Photograph by Dick Veitch

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How to cite this page:

Gerard Hutching, 'Large forest birds - Kākā', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/10585/kaka-leaving-a-nest-hole (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Gerard Hutching, published 24 Sep 2007, reviewed & revised 17 Feb 2015, updated 1 Aug 2023