The family Callaeidae is represented by five species in three genera. The family is restricted to New Zealand where all species are endangered on the main islands. One species, the huia, is extinct. It was considered unique because males and females had totally different beaks and were believed to have hunted cooperatively, one chiseling at wood while the other probed with its forceps-like beak. Another species, the South Island koakao may also be extinct.
Callaeas wilsoni North Island kokako
Callaeas wilsoni North Island kokako captive
Callaeas wilsoni North Island kokako (Museum photo)
Heteralocha acutirostris huia
Heteralocha acutirostris huia female head shot (museum photo)