Skip to main content

Story: Large forest birds

Kōkako eggs

Image
Kōkako eggs

Female kōkako build strong nests. They form a base structure of twigs, then weave a deep cup using long fibrous material and vine stems. The cup is then lined with soft material such as moss or rotten wood. The North Island kōkako female lays two or three pale pink eggs with dark mauve blotches. She incubates them while the male brings her food. Some years, if food is plentiful, she may lay two or even three clutches.

Using this item

Department of Conservation

Reference: 10025058

This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.

All images & media in this story

How to cite this page

Gerard Hutching, Large forest birds – Kōkako, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/10590/kokako-eggs (accessed 3 June 2026).

Story by Gerard Hutching, published 1 March 2009, updated 1 August 2023.

Comments

Royelle
21 July 2010
What is the difference between the north and south kokako besides the wattles?