Go Kakariki Go!

New Zealand's bright green parrot, the kakariki, has something to sing about now that it has won bird of the year.

More than 21,000 votes were cast in Forest and Bird's poll this year - the kakariki attracted 6921 votes, followed closely by the pukeko with 5228 votes.

The cheeky kakariki gained favour among voters for its "flamboyant dress sense", Forest and Bird spokeswoman Nicola Vallance said. "It's essentially fluoro green, and the five different species of kakariki flash other colours, including red, yellow and orange, on their foreheads. They're also gorgeous chatterboxes, and they sound like they're always having fun," she said.

In flight they make a loud rapid chatter that sounds like "ki ki ki ki", she added.

Congratulations to the Kakariki!