Strigops habroptilus
The Kakapo, *Strigops habroptilus*, is a remarkably unique and critically endangered parrot endemic to New Zealand. It is the world's only flightless parrot, the heaviest parrot (males up to 4 kg, females 1.5-2.5 kg), and the only nocturnal parrot. Its plumage is a striking moss-green mottled with brown and black, providing excellent camouflage in its forest understory habitat. Distinctive field marks include its large, owl-like facial disc with prominent vibrissae (whiskers), a strong, musty...
Primarily found in subalpine scrub, tussock grasslands, and mixed podocarp-broadleaf forests, from sea level to subalpine elevations, requiring dense undergrowth.
Predominantly herbivorous, consuming leaves, stems, roots, fruit, seeds, pollen, and fungi. Highly dependent on the fruits of the Rimu tree for successful breeding.
Strictly nocturnal, the Kakapo spends its days roosting in dense vegetation, tree hollows, or rock crevices. Foraging occurs on the forest floor, where it uses its powerful beak to grind plant material, often creating "browse marks" on leaves and stems. Males are polygynous and engage in a specta...
Historically, the Kakapo was widespread across both the North and South Islands of New Zealand, as well as Stewart Island/Rakiura, inhabiting a range of habitats from coastal forests to subalpine tussock grasslands. Following human settlement and the introduction of mammalian predators, its popul...
Critically Endangered
- The Kakapo is the world's only flightless parrot. - It is the heaviest parrot, with males weighing up to 4 kilograms (nearly 9 pounds). - This species is strictly nocturnal, active only under the cover of darkness. - Kakapo have a distinctive, often described as "musky-sweet," odor, which histo...