The kōkako belongs to the endemic New Zealand wattlebirds, an ancient family of birds which includes the North and South Island saddleback and the extinct huia.
The kōkako was crowned the winner of Forest and Bird’s, Bird of the Year contest for 2016.
The kōkako attracted 3614 votes, followed by the kea with 2608 votes and the fantail/pīwakawaka with 1508 votes.
Photo: David Cook Wildlife Photography.
