Of the nine species in the New Zealand parrot superfamily Strigopoidea, the Norfolk kākā[1] [2] and Chatham kākā became extinct in recent history. The last known individual of the Norfolk Kākā died in its cage in London sometime after 1851,[3] and only between seven[4] and 20[5] skins survive. The Chatham Kākā became extinct in pre-European times, after Polynesians settled the island, between 1550 and 1700, and is only known from subfossil bones. Of the surviving species, the kākāpō is critically endangered,[6] [7] with living individuals numbering only The mainland kākā is listed as endangered,[8] [9] and the kea is listed as vulnerable.[10] [11] The Nestoridae genus Nelepsittacus consists of four extinct species.
There are two surviving species and at least one well documented extinct species of the family Nestoridae. Very little is known about the Chatham Kākā, and it may have been con-specific with another Kākā species, or a separate species belonging to the genus.
| Nestorini | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Common name (binomial name) status | Image | Description | Range and habitat | |
| Kea (Nestor notabilis) Vulnerable | 48 cm (19 in) long. Mostly olive-green with scarlet underwings and rump. Dark-edged feathers. Dark brown beak, iris, legs, and feet. Male has longer bill. | New Zealand: South Island High-level forests and subalpine scrublands 850–1400 m AMSL.[12] | ||
| South Island kākā (Nestor meridionalis meridionalis) Endangered | Similar to the North Island kaka, but slightly smaller, brighter colours, the crown is almost white, and the bill is longer and more arched in males. | New Zealand: South Island Unbroken tracts of Nothofagus and Podocarpus forests 450–850 m AMSL in summer and 0–550 m in winter. | ||
| North Island kākā (Nestor meridionalis septentrionalis) Endangered | About 45 cm (18 in) long. Mainly olive-brown with dark feather edges. Crimson underwings, rump, and collar. The cheeks are golden/brown. The crown is greyish. | New Zealand: North Island Unbroken tracts of Nothofagus and Podocarpus forests between 450 and 850 m AMSL in summer and 0–550 m in winter. | ||
| Norfolk kākā (Nestor productus) Extinct by 1851 approx. | About 38 cm long. Mostly olive-brown upperparts, (reddish-)orange cheeks and throat, straw-coloured breast, thighs, rump and lower abdomen dark orange.[13] | Formerly endemic on Norfolk Island and Phillip Island of Australia Rocks and trees | ||
| Chatham kākā (Nestor chathamensis) Extinct by 1550–1700[14] | Appearance unknown, but bones indicate reduced flight capability. | Only known from subfossil bones. | Formerly endemic on Chatham Island of New Zealand Forests | |
The kakapo is the only member of the family Strigopidae.