Kakapo

The kakapo is one of the strangest parrots on Earth. Unlike other parrots, it cannot fly. It has soft, mossy green feathers and a round face that looks a little like an owl. Kakapos live only in New Zealand. They are very rare and need lots of help to survive.

A Parrot That Cannot Fly

Kakapos are the only parrots in the world that cannot fly. They are too heavy, weighing up to 9 pounds. Instead of flying, they walk and climb trees using their strong legs and beaks. When scared, they freeze and hope their green feathers will hide them. They come out at night, which is why they are called night parrots.

Booming Calls

Male kakapos make a loud booming sound to attract mates. They puff up like a balloon and boom from special bowls they dig in the ground. The sound can travel for miles across the hills. Female kakapos listen and choose a mate. This is one of the strangest mating shows in the bird world.

Saving the Kakapo

Long ago, kakapos were common in New Zealand. Then humans brought cats, rats, and dogs that hunted them. Today there are only a few hundred kakapos left. Scientists have moved them to safe islands without predators. Every single kakapo has its own name, and workers watch them carefully day and night.

Fun Facts

• Kakapos smell sweet, a bit like honey or flowers.
• They can live over 90 years, longer than most birds.
• Kakapos only have babies when certain trees make lots of fruit.

Did You Know?

A kakapo named Sirocco became famous after trying to make friends with a man's head on a TV show, and now he is an official spokesbird for New Zealand wildlife.