Kōkako
New Zealanders know the Kōkako by its haunting, flute-like song—a call so powerful it carries through valleys long after the bird is out of sight.
And while the South Island Kōkako is now extinct, this sculpture honours the North Island survivor, whose blue wattles, masked face and powerful legs make it one of Aotearoa’s most distinctive native birds.
Celebrate this rare forest treasure with a life-sized, weathering steel sculpture that’s both beautiful and meaningful. Perfect for forest lovers, native bird nerds, and anyone who appreciates birdsong over buzzwords.
✓ Striking in silhouette – 32cm high × 21cm wide, approx. 300g
✓ Crafted from 3mm Corten® steel – develops a beautiful patina, not rust
✓ Made locally in NZ – cut and finished in a family-run workshop
✓ Gift-ready – flat-packed in an A4 box (31cm × 21cm × 1cm)
✓ Ships same day – weekday orders before 2pm fly out fast
✓ Easy to install – no tools needed, just tap into a tree, post or fence
Style With
Kōkako
AS SEEN IN
Most of our steel bird silhouettes are cut from 3 mm Corten weathering steel. Check the individual product for its material, thickness and manufacturing origin: wooden birds, clothing and other products have their own specifications.
Why does Corten steel change colour?
Outdoors, the steel develops a natural rust patina. Grey gives way to orange and brown tones, with the setting and weather doing their bit. The colour and timing vary. It is unpainted steel, so a permanent black finish is not part of the deal.
Where should I put it?
Choose a spot with good drainage. Rusty runoff can mark pale paving, pots and walls, particularly while the steel is weathering. Follow the mounting instructions for your particular bird or feeder.
See how patina develops · Find your bird · Installation and care help
The Patina Process:
That first flash of orange? Your steel bird is settling in. Corten weathering steel develops a natural rust patina, changing through orange and brown tones as it spends time outdoors.
How long does patina take?
There is no fixed timetable or guaranteed final colour. Rain, humidity, airflow and the position you choose all affect how the surface changes.
Will it stain nearby surfaces?
Rusty runoff can mark paving, pots and walls, especially during early weathering. Leave room around pale surfaces and choose a location where water can drain freely.
Is my bird painted black?
Corten birds are unpainted steel. Their finish changes naturally; they are not intended to stay permanently black. Check your product page for the exact material and care instructions.
Read about the material · Browse the birds · Ask us about care
what’s the word on the bird?
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