Description

The kakapo is a Critically Endangered, giant, nocturnal parrot. It is a classic example of evolution on an isolated island; and has a number of characteristic features that make this species unique. It is the only member of the subfamily Strigopinae and is the only flightless parrot in the world. It is also the largest parrot known and is possibly the longest-lived; the oldest known bird was elderly when found in 1975 and was still alive in 2002 (3). Adults have beautiful mossy green plumage mottled with brown and yellow, which provides excellent camouflage against the forest floor (5). The face is owl-like (5), yellowish-brown (6), and framed with modified whisker-like feathers (2). Juveniles are slightly duller in colour than adults and have browner faces (6). The feathers are downy and soft; the scientific name habroptila means soft feathers (6).