Kakapo
Image: David Aitken (cc-by-nc)
NameKakapo
Common NameKakapo
Scientific NameStrigops habroptila
FamilyStrigopidae
Wingspan (cm)0
Length (cm)60
Weight (g)2500
Plumage DetailsMoss-green plumage mottled with brown and yellow, providing superb camouflage. It has prominent facial discs of fine, whisker-like feathers, giving it an owl-like appearance. The feathers are soft and downy.
Vocalization / CallMales produce a deep, resonant 'boom' call during the breeding season to attract mates, which can travel for kilometers. Other calls include a high-pitched 'skreek' and a guttural 'ching' or 'grunt'.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatstemperate forest, subalpine scrubland
Conservation Statuscritically-endangered
Geographic RangeEndemic to New Zealand. Historically widespread across New Zealand, its current range is restricted to a few predator-free offshore islands, primarily Whenua Hou (Codfish Island) and Anchor Island.
Identifying Featuresflightless, nocturnal, moss-green plumage, owl-like facial disc, large size, strong, hooked beak, distinctive booming call (males), heaviest parrot species
Description
The Kakapo is a large, nocturnal, flightless parrot endemic to New Zealand. It possesses a distinctive moss-green plumage that provides excellent camouflage in its forest habitat. It is the world's only flightless parrot and also the heaviest.
