10 Essential Facts About Kakapos

Kakapos are fascinating birds that are endemic to New Zealand. Kakapos are ground-dwelling parrots that are known for their unusual appearance, which is often said to resemble an owl. Once widespread across New Zealand, these unique birds are now restricted to only three small islands. However, that’s not all there is to learn about them, so keep reading to discover more incredible kakapo facts.

1. Kakapos Cannot Fly

The ground-bound kakapo is the world’s only flightless parrot. These birds have very short wings that they do not use for flight. Instead, they use their stubby little wings primarily for support and balance. Kakapos are primarily ground-dwelling and use their wings to help them climb trees rather than jump between them. Although they cannot fly, their wings do act as a parachute. This feature affords them a measure of stability in the descent from the tree to the forest floor.

2. Their Name Means “Night Parrot”

The kakapo is endemic to New Zealand, and this parrot holds an important place in Māori history and folklore. The name kakapo is from the Māori word kākāpō, which means “night parrot.” The kakapo’s closest relatives are the kaka and kea, which are also native to New Zealand. Their scientific names are Nestor meridionalis (kaka) and Nestor notabilis (kea). The kakapo has an equally long and complicated name, Strigops habroptilus. All three species belong to the parrot superfamily, Strigopoidea.

The first part of the kakapo’s scientific name, Strigops, means “owl-faced” in ancient Greek. The second part, habroptilus, refers to the type of species. Its most accurate translation is “soft feather.”

3. Kakapos Were Once Called “Owl Parrots”

On the surface, the kakapo resembles an owl more than a parrot. Except for its lack of flight, it is entirely parrot, though. Like the owl, the kakapo has a prominent facial disc. Also, its brown, bristle-like feathers around the eyes, ears, and beak create a rather owl-like aesthetic. As such, the early European settlers aptly named the kakapo “owl parrot.”

4. Kakapos Are Messy Eaters

Kakapos are herbivores, and they eat a variety of plants, fruits, seeds, pollen, flowers, and rhizomes. They are also rather partial to moss and fungi, with a side order of bark and sap. Kakapos also make quite a mess after eating. However, rather than a careless habit, it is with intent. They want their presence to be known. So, when the kakapo eats, they ingest all the nutritious parts of the plant while discarding the indigestible plant fibers. Leaving this inedible debris is the kakapo’s way of announcing their dining behavior in the area.

5. Kakapos are Very Social

Kakapos are wonderfully playful and engaging birds. They do not shy away from human contact. Research reveals that the kakapo is not afraid of human interaction, and reports on kakapo behavior show them to be curious animals. Part of their charm is that they have delightfully unique and distinct personalities. In the early 1800s, the kakapo was a favorite pet of both Māori and European people. They were said to be docile and doglike in their behavior.

6. They Have a Long Lifespan

Kakapos have an incredibly long lifespan, and there are reports of them living for up to 90 years. However, their average lifespan is around 60 years. Their lengthy lifespans are primarily due to their slow metabolism. Now, many researchers believe their longevity could be because they live a slow, unhurried life.

7. Kakapos Smell Sweet

Kakapos are known for their unique aroma. It may be a strange concept, but the kakapo gives off a distinct odor. Far from unpleasant, researchers describe it as a sweet, floral, or honey-like smell. Their sweet-musky odor helps the kakapos find each other. Unfortunately, their scent is also a sign to predators.

8. Kakapos Are Critically Endangered

Unfortunately, kakapos are a critically endangered species. Due to the introduction of animals such as dogs, cats, and rodents to the islands, the kakapo faces many predators. Although conservation efforts are underway to save the kakapo, there are currently only around 250 of them left.

9. Kakapos Freeze When Frightened

Being flightless, kakapos don’t have much chance of escaping predators. Therefore, when they’re frightened or threatened, kakapos actually freeze in place. This is in the hope that they’ll blend in with the background and that the predator will leave them alone.

10. Males Do a Song and Dance When Courting Females

Another fascinating thing about kakapos is the incredible mating ritual that they partake in. Male kakapos gather in an arena and compete for the attention of the females. During this time, they fight other males for the best arenas, which are usually a hilltop or ridge with a series of depressions dug into the ground by the bird. The males then let out incredibly loud, low-frequency booming calls, which can be heard several miles away if carried by the wind. The calls attract the females, and then the males perform a unique dance that consists of rocking side to side and clicking with their beaks.