DNA identification of a putative South Island kōkako feather

The South Island kōkako is an elusive forest bird, famed for its haunting call. Despite numerous reported sightings over the past 50 years, no definitive evidence to prove its survival – such as a specimen, photograph, or droppings – has been found since 1937. In 1986, a feather discovered on Rakiura Stewart Island was suggested to belong to this elusive species. Genetics researcher Lara Shepherd recently sequenced DNA from this feather to answer the question: was this truly from a South Island kōkako, or a case of mistaken identity?

A special taonga

Part of the wattlebird family, the South Island kōkako (Callaeas cinerea) is closely related to the North Island kōkako (Callaeas wilsoni). While similar in appearance, its wattles at the base of the beak are mostly orange rather than blue.

Historically, South Island kōkako lived throughout Te Waipounamu South Island and Rakiura Stewart Island. By the late 19th century, however, they had become extremely rare. Declared extinct in 2007 after no confirmed sightings since 1967, their status was later changed to data deficient following a reported sighting in North Westland that same year.

The feather in question

Te Papa holds thousands of bird specimens in its collections. Among them is the Rakiura feather found in 1986, often cited in scientific and popular articles as evidence of South Island kōkako’s recent survival.

However, my testing revealed the feather’s DNA sequence was identical to that of a blackbird, a species common on Stewart Island. To rule out contamination, a second test specifically targeting kōkako DNA was performed. This test was negative, confirming no kōkako DNA was present.

Interestingly, another feather collected on the West Coast in the 1990s – also thought to be from a South Island kōkako – was likewise identified as blackbird DNA.

Lazarus species – rediscoveries do happen

Although the DNA result indicates that this feather was not from a South Island kōkako, history shows that species long thought extinct can reappear. In Aotearoa New Zealand, examples include:

• New Zealand storm petrel – rediscovered after being presumed extinct for 150 years.
• Takahē – famously found alive in Fiordland after decades of no sightings.
• Little spotted kiwi (kiwi pukupuku) – recently confirmed in the South Island nearly 50 years after the last record.

The search continues

While DNA evidence ruled out kōkako in this case, the quest for definitive proof of the South Island kōkako’s survival is far from over. Each reported sighting keeps hope alive that one day this special taonga may be rediscovered and the South Island kokako | Kōka song may yet be heard widely again.

Further reading

• Shepherd LD (2025) DNA sequence from a putative South Island kōkako (Callaeas cinerea) feather identifies it as a blackbird (Turdus merula). Tuhinga 36: 47-39
• South Island Kokako | Kōkā on New Zealand Birds Online