Nestor meridionalis, South Island kaka

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Nestor meridionalis, South Island kaka

Ff. 50. Watercolour painting by George Forster (1773) annotated Psittacus hypopolius and made during Captain James Cooks second voyage to explore the southern continent (1772-75)

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Media ID 8585629

© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10705467

1754 1794 18th Century Adventure Beak Captain Cook Captain James Cook Chattering Cook Discovery Exploration Forster Indigenous People Johann George Adam Johann George Adam Forster Maori Native People Nestor Kaka

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> Animals > Mammals > Cricetidae > Meridionalis

> Animals > Mammals > Sciuridae > Meridionalis

EDITORS COMMENTS
This stunning watercolor painting, titled "Nestor meridionalis" or the South Island kaka, is a captivating illustration of this native New Zealand bird created during Captain James Cook's second voyage to explore the southern continent between 1772 and 1775. The painting was made by the renowned naturalist and artist George Forster (1754-1847), who accompanied Cook on his expedition. Forster meticulously depicted the kaka, a grey parrot endemic to New Zealand, perched on a branch with its distinctive, bright red beak open in a boisterous chatter. Forster labeled the bird as "Psittacus hypopolius," a name that would later be changed to the current scientific name. The painting, annotated with the Latin name, is a testament to the spirit of discovery and exploration that characterized the 18th century. Cook's voyages were significant in expanding European knowledge of the world, and Forster's illustrations played a crucial role in documenting the natural wonders of the new territories. The Maori people, who were the indigenous inhabitants of New Zealand, would have been familiar with the kaka, which was an essential food source for them. The bird's beak, with its bright red color, is a striking feature that sets it apart from other parrots and makes it a popular subject for artists and naturalists alike. This beautiful watercolor painting, created by the skilled hand of Johann Georg Adam Forster, is a valuable historical document that offers a glimpse into the natural history of New Zealand during the late 18th century. It is a reminder of the sense of adventure and curiosity that drove explorers like Cook and Forster to travel to distant lands and document the wonders they discovered along the way.

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