Kakapo
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Mnolf" title="User:Mnolf">Mnolf</a> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
NameKakapo
Common NameKakapo
Scientific NameStrigops habroptila
FamilyStrigopidae
Wingspan (cm)0
Length (cm)60
Weight (g)2000
Plumage DetailsPredominantly moss-green, mottled with yellow, brown, and black markings, providing excellent camouflage. It has a distinctive owl-like facial disc with fine, hair-like feathers (vibrissae) around the beak.
Vocalization / CallKnown for a variety of calls, including a deep, resonant 'boom' used by males during breeding season to attract mates, a high-pitched 'ching' call, and various screeches and squawks.
Primary Dietfrugivore
Primary Habitatsforest, dense vegetation, shrubland
Conservation Statuscritically-endangered
Geographic RangeEndemic to New Zealand, currently restricted to a few predator-free offshore islands (e.g., Whenua Hou/Codfish Island, Anchor Island, Hauturu/Little Barrier Island) as part of an intensive conservation program.
Identifying Featuresflightless, nocturnal, large, heavy parrot, mossy green plumage with yellow/brown mottling, owl-like facial disc, sensory vibrissae around beak, strong legs and feet
Description
The Kakapo is a large, flightless, nocturnal parrot endemic to New Zealand. Its mossy green and brown plumage provides excellent camouflage in its forest habitat, and it possesses a distinctive owl-like facial disc with sensory whiskers. This unique bird is the world's only flightless parrot and the heaviest parrot species.
