Although quieter than cockatoos and macaws, kakarikis can still be very vocal. Their sounds are a significant part of their charm as pets.
The most common sound made by kakarikis is the “ka ka ka” chatter, which they do when happy.
Kakarikis’ mating sounds include singing and clicking noises (in males), while warning calls sound like sirens. Many pet kakarikis learn to talk, which shows their intelligence.
When decoding the meaning of kakariki noises, look at their body language. For example, clicking noises can signal mating behavior or territorial aggression.
What Noise Kakarikis Make
According to Watchbird, the Kakariki is known for its distinctive and constant chatter. This continuous chatter sounds like the Kakariki is saying, “ki ki ki ki.”
The tempo of this chatter varies slightly, depending on which type of Kakariki you own.
Orange-fronted kakarikis (Cyanoramphus malherbi) have a slightly faster chatter than Yellow-crowned kakarikis (Cyanoramphus auriceps).
Chattering is the most common kakariki noise, but it’s not the only sound kakarikis make.
All Kakariki Noises
As we’ll explore later, some kakariki noises are more common in males than females. Also, factors like personality and handling can determine the frequency of a kakariki sound.
Below, you’ll find all the sounds kakarikis make and how often they make them:
| Kakariki Noise | Description | How Common? |
| Chatter | A continuous chatter and natter (Ka Ka Ka Ka). | Very common. |
| Singing: | A louder chatter, interspersed with chirping and tweeting. | Fairly common. |
| Clicking Noise: | Clicking the tongue on the roof of the mouth. | Fairly common. |
| Siren: | A loud, shrill call that sounds like a siren. | Rare. |
| Mating Sounds: | Clicking, singing, and loud chatter. | It’s commonly made during the breeding season. |
| Screaming: | High-pitched fear-based screaming. | Rare. |
| Talking: | Copying human sounds and words. | Rare. |
Kakariki Noise Meaning
It’s vital to learn what Kakariki noises mean. Noises rarely have just one meaning. Just like we shout for various reasons (e.g., to express anger or excitement), kakariki noises can be ambiguous.
Consider the parrot’s body language for a more straightforward explanation.
Here’s how to decipher what a Kakariki’s noises mean:
Chattering
As mentioned, the most common kakariki noise you’ll hear is chattering. According to NZBirds, wild kakarikis live in flocks and chatter with each other almost constantly.
Kakarikis’ fast-paced chatter is cute and endearing to humans because it makes them seem upbeat, energized, and ready to play.
What does kakariki chatter sound like? It’s a soft and continuous vibrating natter, like a cartoon character mumbling, interspersed with chirps and squeaks.
Think of Kakariki chattering as purring, which signifies that a parrot is happy and content. Fluffed-up facial feathers and a willingness to fly straight to your arm are further signs that a Kakariki is content.
Singing
Singing is like chattering, but it’s louder and more animated. Singing is less likely to be continuous, as it’s more deliberate than the chatter.
Singing can signify contentment. However, kakarikis may sing to mark their territory or ask for attention. If a Kakariki constantly sings and bobs its head forward, it may be bored and want attention.
Clicking Noise
It’s not unusual for kakarikis to make a clicking noise with their beaks.
This clicking sound is caused by the parrot pressing its tongue on the roof of its mouth. It can mean various things, but it’s usually a mating behavior.
More specifically, it’s a sign that the male is ready to regurgitate food for the female.
According to the Department of Conservation, male Kakariki will regurgitate food for their female partner while she’s nesting.
The male makes a clicking noise to let the female know he is ready to regurgitate. Tail wagging (alongside beak clicking) is another mating behavior.
Beak clicking can also signify that your Kakariki is defending its territory.
Additional signs to look out for include head bobbing, enlarged eyes, ruffled feathers, and pacing up and down its perch. In this scenario, beak clicking could warn you to back away.
Warning Call
It could be a warning call if a Kakariki makes a loud or unusual sound.
Some kakariki warning calls sound like sirens (rapid-paced squawking), while others have been described as “vibrating screams.”
According to Bird Spot, birds use warning calls to warn their flocks about threats. Warning calls tend to be loud to carry over long distances and are usually short, so the bird doesn’t identify itself as a threat.
If a Kakariki calls out for longer, it’s more likely to sing or ask for attention. Warning calls, on the other hand, are short and sharp. A Kakariki may produce a warning call if a new person or pet enters.
Mating Sounds
When it comes to kakariki mating sounds, you’ll likely hear the following:
- Beak clicking (usually males).
- Continuous chirping/chatter.
- Singing more often than usual.
- Females may whine.
The above noises aren’t necessarily mating sounds, so it’s best to look at the Kakariki’s body language, too. The following are signs of mating behavior in parrots:
- Head bobbing.
- Regurgitating food.
- The wings are quivering or drooping.
- Tail wiggling.
Remember, a Kakariki might make mating sounds towards their “favorite person” in the household, especially if they don’t have a same-species mate.
Discourage this favoritism because it leads to problems over time.
Screaming
Kakariki screaming suggests they sense imminent danger, like a predatory animal.
They may also scream and fly around the cage if they’re dealing with grief and loss (e.g., the death of their cage mate). Kakariki may also scream if they suffer intense pain.
Talking
Although not as talkative as African grays, kakarikis are clever and can mimic human speech.
A study published in Springer shows that kakarikis are very intelligent, with cognitive and perceptual skills similar to a human toddler. A kakariki may need some encouragement to mimic your speech.
What Age Kakarikis Talk
Kakarikis start vocalizing soon after hatching, making the “ka ka ka” sound within weeks. Talking takes longer. Parrots (including kakarikis) will begin talking between 4 and 10 months old.
Some kakarikis are very quiet and rarely chatter or talk. This could be due to genetics or handling differences, and it isn’t necessarily a source of concern.
How To Encourage a Kakariki to Talk
If a Kakariki hasn’t begun talking, start with simple words with no more than two syllables.
A phrase like “Hello” is ideal as it has two syllables and can be used daily in an authentic situation (e.g., greeting your Kakariki in the morning).
When your Kakariki is relaxed, say “He-llo” in a high-pitched tone. It’s better to express words with emotion and to use a high-pitched tone, as parrots respond better to higher pitches.
Remember to keep language learning a fun and rewarding process.
Female Kakarikis Talking
Both male and female kakarikis can talk, although males are chattier than females.
In terms of kakariki sounds, the most common female kakariki sounds are “ka ka ka” chattering and singing. Some owners also report female kakarikis purring when they’re contented.
Female kakarikis are less likely to make the beak clicking sound that pre-empts regurgitation. This is because regurgitation is a male mating behavior in kakarikis.
Kakariki Can Be Loud
A kakariki’s most common interactional vocalizations are about 70 dB. This is slightly noisier than human conversation (60 dB). The screams of a kakariki are loud, reaching 100 dB.
Kakarikis are most vocal in the morning and evening. During the day, they’re much quieter. This can change during the breeding season, but the noisiness will eventually subside.
