What In The Kakapo Is That
Your post is fun and informative! Here’s an edited version with some grammatical and spelling improvements:
Let’s be honest: after Australia, New Zealand is home to quite a few natural oddities. Today we’re going to discuss one of my favorites… the kakapo. Everything about this bird is… different.
What is it? In short… it’s a parrot. So, picture a parrot, okay? Now make it nocturnal, take away its power of flight, and make it moss-colored. Done? Ta-da! Instant kakapo! Kakapos are large ground parrots with owl-like faces. Due to their flightless status, kakapos have adapted to become excellent climbers.
Where does it live? Kakapos are endemic to New Zealand. “Endemic” is a fancy way of saying they’re only found in New Zealand. According to New Zealand’s Department of Conservation, kakapos were once widespread across the main islands, but with the introduction of mammals, they are now only found on protected coastal islands. Kakapos live in forests, where they can find food and shelter in the vegetation. They are mostly solitary, with some exceptions, and they are known to squawk periodically to the neighbors.
What does it eat? Kakapos are herbivores. They enjoy a wide variety of plants, from fruits found up in branches to tubers in the ground. Their favorite food is the fruit of the rimu tree (a type of conifer). I’m keeping this section short because the next one is a bit crazy.
How do the males pick up chicks? Let’s just say that male kakapos are quite the showmen. The boys use a “super bowl” to attract the ladies. Okay, maybe not that Super Bowl, but they do clear out a nicely placed “bowl” with several inviting pathways leading up to it. When they set the stage, males start singing, alternating between deep bellows and high metallic rings, hoping to bring all the girls to the yard. This coordinated, competitive performance is called lek mating. Kakapos are the only parrot species (and the only bird species in New Zealand) that participates in lek breeding. Afterward, the female goes off to nest in a tree hollow or another protected area and lays anywhere from one to four eggs. She’s okay being a single parrot parent, and it’s not for long—just about six months, max.
One last thing! I just learned from New Zealand’s Department of Conservation that kakapos only mate every 2 to 4 years (like the Olympics). Their breeding is completely dependent on the rimu tree producing a mass amount of fruit. These fruitful years are called “rimu mast” years. Super cool!
An example of a “bowl’” photo credit: Don Merton, New Zealand Department of Conservation.
What are parrot superpowers? Buckle up for this section! I’ll try to keep it brief. First of all, kakapos are one of the longest-lived bird species, with an estimated lifespan of around 90 years. Second, with the loss of flight, kakapos have developed remarkably strong legs that allow them to climb high into trees, walk long distances, and even run in short bursts. Third, their mossy coloration and incredible ability to “freeze” make them blend in perfectly with their surroundings. This camouflage, paired with their nocturnal habits, helps protect kakapos from predators. Historically, there were no mammals in New Zealand that preyed on these birds, but with the introduction of dogs, cats, and other predators, their numbers have dropped drastically. An honorable mention goes to the kakapo’s status as the world’s heftiest parrot. They are quite… stout.
How many are there? Not many. According to conservationists, only 247 individuals are alive today. They are currently protected on three coastal islands. One particular bird has stepped up to be the voice of his species and the entire country. His name is Sirocco. Sirocco is a 60-year-old male who serves as New Zealand’s Official Spokesbird for Conservation. He is a YouTube superstar and media darling. No surprise, this spokesbird is on Twitter… and Facebook, too. He became famous after a scandalous video that I’ve linked below. Due to his upbringing and charismatic nature, he’s a natural ambassador—and as you’ll see, he has imprinted on humans.
Science Time!
Kakapo, Strigops habroptila, are listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN Redlist with less than 200 adults in 2018.
Major threats for Kakapos are introduced mammals such as cats and rodents, disease, low egg fertility, and inbreeding
Click to learn more about Kakapo Conservation
Resources:
BirdLife International. (2018). Strigops habroptila. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22685245A129751169. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T22685245A129751169.en.
New Zealand Department of Conservation. (n.d.). Kākāpō. New Zealand native land birds. https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/kakapo/
Photo Credit: New Zealand Department of Conservation
