A Victorian Specimen of a distinct and unusual Parrot, The New Zealand Kaka

Period: 1800-1900

Origin: New Zealand

Medium: Wood, Kaka, glass dome

Dimension: 56 cm (22 inches)

Literature: The future of these distinct woodland parrots is seriously threatened by the rapid decline of suitable habitat in New Zealand. They live in low level forests on both islands and nest in hollow trees where their subtle brownish green colouration acts as a camouflage.
The Kaka is a close relative of the New Zealand Kea and is a noisy bird usually seen in flocks. It lives on fruit and nectar and with its powerful, long curved beak digs out grubs from rotten wood.