An ecologist says Auckland's growing kokako population could see the native song birds become a common sight in the region's gardens.
Breeding pair numbers of the endangered bird have increased by 20% since the Department of Conservation and Auckland Council started an egg swapping system, and increased their protection of the kokako.
Council ecologist Su Sinclair says several breeding programmes around the region may bring more kokako down into gardens.
Ms Sinclair says the first successful transfer of five wild eggs was performed last summer between two different populations of kokako in the Hunua Ranges and Tiritiri Matangi.
The 2010 census recorded 24 kokako pairs and there are now at least 30 breeding pairs in the Hunua Ranges.
The goal is for 50 breeding pairs by 2020.
