The species on Kapiti is the red-crowned parakeet. Shaped like a budgerigar, it is a striking iridescent green with the red crown and azure blue wings. Kakariki may be seen in pairs or in small chattering flocks. It is easily recognised by its noisy flight and handsome plumage of metallic-green above, and pure white breast. They move through the forest in noisy, buzzing flocks searching the trees and shrubs for insects.
Fantails often follow the whiteheads and hunt small flying insects that they disturb.
This large bird is difficult to see, being mottled brown and very well camouflaged. It lays eggs in the nests of whiteheads, and the unsuspecting hosts rear the young cuckoos. The other cuckoo, the shining cuckoo, is rare on Kapiti, and is more often heard than seen. Its shrill whistles are mostly heard in early summer. It's young are reared by grey warblers.