{"id":27817,"date":"2020-02-13T00:34:13","date_gmt":"2020-02-13T06:34:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/pet-birds\/?p=27817"},"modified":"2025-08-28T20:39:02","modified_gmt":"2025-08-29T01:39:02","slug":"meet-the-kakapo-the-lovable-rotund-parrot-with-peculiar-ways","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/pet-birds\/meet-the-kakapo-the-lovable-rotund-parrot-with-peculiar-ways\/","title":{"rendered":"Meet The Kakapo, The Lovable, Rotund Parrot With Peculiar Ways"},"content":{"rendered":"

How far would you travel for love? If you were a male kakapo parrot, you\u2019d walk the equivalent of a local 5K, as in, over three miles (and that\u2019s not counting the walk back)! A lovesick, male kakapo parrot embarks on his long stroll each night during breeding season as he tries to beat out the competition for a female\u2019s attention. Let\u2019s take a look at the adorable, rotund, and flightless parrot with peculiar ways.<\/p>\n

Kakapo Habits<\/h3>\n
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Photo \u201cSirocco full length portrait<\/a>\u201d by Department of Conservation\/Mike Bodie<\/a>, CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The kakapo (Strigops habroptilus<\/em>) is the heaviest living species of parrot (up to 9 pounds). Its weight and relatively short wings render the parrot flightless. But what kakapos lack in feats of flight they make up for in the ability to adeptly climb tall trees using their big feet and beaks. Their sturdy legs also allow them to safely \u201cparachute down\u201d from trees.<\/p>\n

When most parrots walk<\/a>, they look like they are moving on stilted legs. The kakapo, on the other hand, has a jog like stride. Such an efficient gait comes in handy. Lovelorn kakapo male parrots \u201cjog\u201d a daily 5K up a hilltop during the breeding season, which can last between two to four months. And they do so in the cover of night because kakapos are nocturnal. This is another unusual trait that breaks the typical parrot mold. Kakapos follow what is called a \u201ctrack and bowl system\u201d during breeding season.\u00a0 They undertake what is akin to a parrot dating game. A small group of male kakapos clears an area of foliage, and then each male digs his own shallow bowl in this designated area.<\/p>\n

Once a male kakapo arrives at his bowl, he\u2019ll puff out his body and make a deep, \u201cbooming<\/a>\u201d call, followed by what is described as a loud, wheeze-like call for good measure. All of this is to attract the attention of a nearby female. If no females show up, he makes the long, lonely journey back home and tries again the next evening. His dedication is impressive \u2014 he performs this walk-to-the-bowl ritual nightly for the next two to four months.<\/p>\n

Kakapo Fast Facts<\/h3>\n
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Kakapos feed their offspring rimu fruit and only breed when these trees are mass fruiting, which between every two to six years. They currently only successfully breed and survive with the support of the Department of Conservation\u2019s (DOC) K\u0101k\u0101p\u014d Recovery Programme and Auckland Zoo\u2019s veterinary services. Photo \u201cStephen Bragg with kakapo chicks<\/a>\u201d by Alastair Morrison\/Department of Conservation<\/a>, CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n