Nestor (genus)


The genus Nestor is the type and only extant genus of the parrot family Nestoridae. Together with the kakapo, and the extinct parrots in the genus Nelepsittacus, they form the parrot superfamily Strigopoidea. The genus Nestor contains two extant parrot species from New Zealand and two extinct species from Norfolk Island and Chatham Island, New Zealand, respectively. All species are large stocky birds with short squarish tails. A defining characteristic of the genus is the tongue, which is tipped with a hair-like fringe. The superficial resemblance of this tongue to that of lorikeets has led some taxonomists to consider the two groups closely related, but DNA evidence shows they are not.

Classification

All four species in the genus Nestor are thought to stem from a 'proto-kaka', dwelling in the forests of New Zealand 5 million years ago. The closest living relative of the genus is the kakapo. Together, they form the Strigopoidea, which comprises an ancient group that split off from all other Psittaciformes before their radiation.

Species

There are two surviving species and at least one well documented extinct species in the genus Nestor. Very little is known about the fourth, the Chatham kaka, which may have been conspecific with another kaka species.
NestoridaeNestoridaeNestoridaeNestoridae
Common name

status		ImageDescriptionRange and habitat
Kea



Vulnerable
 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.
South Island kaka



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 kaka



Endangered
About 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 450–850 m AMSL in summer and 0–550 m in winter.
Norfolk kaka



Extinct by 1851 approx.
About 38 cm long. Mostly olive-brown upperparts, orange cheeks and throat, straw-coloured breast, thighs, rump and lower abdomen dark orange.Formerly endemic on Norfolk Island and the adjacent Phillip Island

Rocks and trees
Chatham kaka



Extinct by 1550–1700		Appearance unknown, but bones indicate reduced flight capability.Only known from subfossil bones.Formerly endemic on Chatham Island of New Zealand

Forests

Status

Of the four species, the Norfolk kaka and Chatham kaka became extinct in recent history. The last known individual of the Norfolk kaka died in captivity in London sometime after 1851, and only between seven and 20 skins survive. The Chatham kaka became extinct in pre-European times, after Polynesians arrived at the island, between 1550 and 1700, and is only known from subfossil bones. The mainland New Zealand kaka is listed as endangered, and the kea is listed as vulnerable.