Kōkako

This dignified blue-wattled bird has a minimalist, operatic five-note song that makes the other birds' attempts at singing seem a bit basic. 

Kōkako were once common throughout the country but they are vulnerable to introduced predators like rats, possums, and stoats. Thanks to a breeding programme and extensive trapping, there are now 2,300 breeding pairs in Te Ika a Māui North Island.

Kōkako won Bird of the Year in 2016.