Kakapo

Kakapo Facts

• The rather remarkable Kakapo also goes by several other common names. These include the night parrot and the owl parrot.
• This large, flightless bird also evolved as endemic to a highly restricted and rather isolated portion of the world.
• Sadly, this truly remarkable bird also now finds itself facing serious threats to its continued existence as a species.
• Its known population only totals 148 extant individuals, as of April 2018. For this reason, the IUCN now lists it as Critically Endangered.
• Its greatest threats include habitat loss, climate change, and also non-indigenous predators, such as cats, ferrets, rats, and stoats.

Related Species

Emu                       Cassowary                        Rhea

Kakapo Physical Description

The surprising Kakapo ranks as rather small, compared to some of the other flightless birds throughout the world.

In appearance, this fascinating avian resembles a rather rotund parrot. The species also presents a moderate degree of sexual dimorphism.

The larger males average about 4.4 lb (2 kg) in weight. Meanwhile, the smaller, and slightly less rotund, females only average about 3.3 lb (1.5 kg).

In coloring, the bird typically presents a combination of yellowish-green, mottled with brownish gray or black on the upper side.

The flank and breast also tend to have the same background colors, but the mottling consists of yellow.

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Aves

Order: Psittaciformes

Family: Strigopidae

Genus: Strigops

Species: S. habroptila

Kakapo Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The rather incredible Kakapo evolved as native solely to what now comprises the island nation of New Zealand, near Australia. Currently, it only exists on three islands kept free of predators.

In its native habitat, the avian inhabits a multitude of habitats. These include forests, scrublands, grasslands, and also coastal areas.

Although is adapts well, it primarily lives and feeds in a nocturnal manner. During the day it prefers to roost under various forms of cover.

While the Kakapo remains incapable of light, it is an accomplished climber. It uses this skill to find its food in the trees.

Unlike most other birds, this species remains entirely herbivorous. It usually feeds on a variety of seeds, leaves, fruits, and stems.

Species Sharing Its Range

Tuatara                   Dendrobium                  Bandicoot

Check out our other articles on Crowned Eagle , Snowy Owl, Bald Eagle, Hoatzin, Golden Pheasant