Kakapo Bird Facts (Strigops habroptilus)

Visual Identification

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.

Size

Length

58cm to 64cm

Wingspan

76cm to 86cm

Weight

1.3kg to 4kg

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Green

Secondary Colour

Yellow Brown

Beak Colour

Grey

Leg Colour

Grey

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The Kakapo can be found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Kakapo is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Kakapo is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Kakapo is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Kakapo is not typically found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Kakapo is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Kakapo can be found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Kakapo is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Kakapo is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Kakapo is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Kakapo is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Kakapo is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

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.

Elevation Range

Sea level to 700 meters

Climate zones

Temperate

Distribution Map

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Kakapo. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.

A few things to keep in mind:

Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations

We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:

More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
How birds move around during different seasons

Resident

Distribution by Region

Species that can be found in the area throughout the year

New Zealand

Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

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Bird Attributes Explained

Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.

Attribute Categories:

Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Understanding the Ratings:

0-20: Very Low
21-40: Low
41-60: Average
61-80: High
81-100: Very High

Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.

Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 65

Agility

Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.

Despite being flightless, the kakapo demonstrates considerable agility as an excellent climber, using its strong legs and beak to navigate trees. It can also 'parachute' from heights, gliding short distances.

Strength 80

Strength

Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.

The kakapo is remarkably strong for a parrot, being the heaviest of its kind with males weighing up to 4 kg. Its powerful legs and beak enable it to climb effectively and forage for tough plant material.

Adaptability 70

Adaptability

Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.

Kakapos have shown adaptability in their diet and habitat use, surviving in various environments from coastal areas to subalpine scrublands. However, their vulnerability to introduced predators somewhat limits this score.

Aggressiveness 20

Aggressiveness

Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.

Kakapos are generally docile and shy birds. Their nocturnal and solitary nature, coupled with their breeding strategy of elaborate displays rather than aggressive competition, suggests low aggression levels.

Endurance 85

Endurance

Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

The kakapo's exceptional longevity, with individuals living over 80 years, indicates high endurance. Their ability to extract maximum nutrients from fibrous plants and survive in challenging environments further supports this rating.

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.

Vocalisation

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 and Status

Global Conservation Status

Critically Endangered ^[1]

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 Data

Global Population Estimate

116 mature individuals ^[2]

Global Population Trend

^[3]

Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

Owl Parrot, Night Parrot

Family:

Strigopidae

Average Lifespan

40 to 80 years

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.

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.

Kakapo