Species Profile
Kakapo
Strigops habroptilus
Quick Facts
Conservation
CRCritically EndangeredLifespan
40–80 years
Length
58–64 cm
Weight
1300–4000 g
Wingspan
76–86 cm
Migration
Resident
Also known as: Owl Parrot, Night Parrot
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Appearance
The kakapo is a large, flightless parrot with a distinctive owl-like face. Its plumage is primarily moss-green, mottled with yellow and brown, providing excellent camouflage in its forest habitat. The bird has a large, curved grey beak and strong, scaly grey feet.
Males are significantly larger than females, weighing up to 4 kg compared to females' maximum of about 1.5 kg. Both sexes have similar plumage, but males may appear slightly brighter in colouration.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Green
- Secondary
- Yellow
- Beak
- Grey
- Legs
- Grey
Markings
Moss-green plumage, barred with yellow and black
Tail: Short and rounded
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Kakapos are endemic to New Zealand, historically found throughout the country's forests. Today, they are restricted to predator-free island sanctuaries, primarily Codfish Island (Whenua Hou) and Little Barrier Island (Hauturu-o-Toi).
These birds prefer diverse habitats, including coastal areas, subalpine scrublands, and podocarp and beech forests, adapting to the available environment on their sanctuary islands.
Distribution
Diet
Kakapos are herbivores with a diverse diet including seeds, fruits, pollen, and plant material. They have a unique digestive system that allows them to extract maximum nutrients from fibrous plants. During breeding seasons, they rely heavily on the fruit of the rimu tree.
Behaviour
Kakapos are nocturnal and solitary, spending their days hidden in vegetation. They are excellent climbers, using their strong legs and beaks to move through trees.
Despite being flightless, kakapos can use their wings to 'parachute' from heights, allowing them to glide short distances.
Calls & Sounds
Kakapos have a range of vocalisations. The most distinctive is the male's low-frequency 'boom' used during breeding displays, which can travel up to 5 km. They also produce a loud 'skraark' call and various softer clicks, grunts, and squeaks for communication.
Nesting & Breeding
Kakapos have an unusual breeding system called lek breeding. Males gather in specific areas and compete for female attention through elaborate displays and booming calls. This typically occurs every 2-4 years when rimu trees produce abundant fruit.
Females nest on the ground, often in natural cavities or under dense vegetation. They lay 1-4 eggs, which are white and about 43 mm long. Nests are simple scrapes lined with plant material.
Incubation lasts about 30 days, with the female solely responsible. Chicks fledge at about 10-12 weeks but may stay with their mother for several months, reaching maturity at 4-6 years old.
Conservation
Only about 200 individuals (116 mature) remain of the critically endangered kakapo.
Intensive conservation efforts, including predator-free island sanctuaries, artificial incubation, and supplementary feeding, are crucial for the species' survival. Each bird is individually named and monitored.
Population
Estimated: 116 mature individuals[3]
Trend: Increasing[2]
Population slowly increasing due to intensive conservation efforts
Elevation
Sea level to 700 meters
Additional Details
- Egg size:
- Approximately 5cm x 4cm
- Predators:
- Introduced mammals such as cats, stoats, and rats are the main predators of kakapos, which is why they are now confined to predator-free islands.
- Alarm calls:
- Sharp, short squawks
- Breeding age:
- 5-9
- Maturity age:
- 9-11
- Feeding times:
- Night
- Major threats:
- Predation by introduced species, habitat loss
- Parental care:
- Female provides all care
- Primary calls:
- Booming, metallic chinging sounds
- Social habits:
- Solitary but can be social during the breeding season
- Egg appearance:
- White
- Feeding habits:
- Forages on the ground and in trees
- Breeding season:
- Summer
- Diet variations:
- Diet varies depending on season and food availability
- Fledging period:
- Approximately 10-12 weeks
- Average lifespan:
- 60
- Call description:
- Low frequency booming, high frequency chinging, and a variety of other vocalizations
- Daily activities:
- Nocturnal, spends the day resting in dens or hollow trees
- Nesting location:
- Underground burrows or in hollow trees
- Number of broods:
- One
- Incubation period:
- Around 30 days
- Nest construction:
- Simple scrape in the ground lined with vegetation
- Migration patterns:
- Non-migratory
- Migratory patterns:
- Non-migratory
- Age related changes:
- Males develop more pronounced facial disc with age
- Prey capture method:
- Browsing and digging
- Conservation efforts:
- Intensive conservation management, including translocation and predator control
- Territorial behavior:
- Males establish territories and defend them from other males
- Reproductive behavior:
- Polygynous, males compete for females
- Special dietary needs:
- High calcium requirement
- Clutch characteristics:
- 1-2 eggs
- Interaction with other species:
- Rarely interacts with other bird species
Birdwatching Tips
- Visit Codfish Island or Little Barrier Island with special permission
- Look for signs of feeding, such as chewed plant material or droppings
- Listen for their distinctive 'skraark' call or booming during the breeding season
- Be patient and quiet, as kakapos are shy and nocturnal
Did You Know?
- The kakapo is the world's only flightless parrot.
- It is also the heaviest parrot species, with males weighing up to 4 kg.
- Kakapos can live for over 80 years, making them one of the longest-lived birds.
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