When we think of parrots, we imagine colorful birds soaring through tropical skies and mimicking human speech. But the Kakapo, also known as the Owl Parrot, is unlike any other bird on Earth.
The Kakapo (scientific name: Strigops habroptilus) is a flightless, nocturnal parrot. Instead of flying, it climbs trees using its strong legs and glides down using its wings for balance. With a chubby body, moss-green feathers, and an owl-like face, it looks more like a mix between a parrot and an owl — hence the name “owl parrot.”
Fascinating Facts About the Kakapo
Lives Almost a Century
Kakapos can live up to 90 years, making them one of the longest-living bird species known to science.
The Heaviest Parrot on Earth
The Kakapo can weigh up to 4 kilograms, making it the world’s heaviest parrot.
A Parrot With a Perfume
Unlike other birds, the Kakapo gives off a sweet, musky scent — pleasant to humans but unfortunate in the wild, since predators can easily smell them.
Booming Love Calls
During mating season, males create a deep booming sound that echoes through the forest for up to 5 kilometers to attract females.
Critically Endangered
There are fewer than 200 Kakapos left in the world. Each one is named and tracked by conservation teams working tirelessly to protect them.
A Symbol of Hope for Conservation
Once nearly extinct, the Kakapo has made a slow but inspiring comeback thanks to New Zealand’s conservation efforts. Every remaining Kakapo lives under human care on predator-free islands, showing that with effort and love for nature, even the rarest species can be saved.