Kakapo Strigops habroptilus. 63 cm
Habitat and distribution: This severly endangered species now only exists on predator-free Little Barrier and Codfish Islands, although a small number of male birds may survive in Fiordland.
Characteristics: The largest parrot in the world, with males weighing up to 3kg. Flightless, although possessing wings which are used to assist balance, nocturnal and usually solitary. Presence in wild shown by chewed tussock stems and leaves.
Voice:Silent except during breeding season when male utters repeated booming calls to attract females for mating , also piercing screeches and 'ching' calls.
Food: Wide range of foliage, seeds, shoots and rhizomes. Artifical feeding with kumara, apples and nuts is successful.
Breeding: Nests in shellow burrow, beneath tree roots or in hollow log. nesting only occures in season when food is flentiful. Clutch of 2-4 white eggs. Incubation and feeding of chicks solely by female.
Source: The Reed Field Guide to New Zealand Birds by Geoff Moon. (ISBN 0 7900 0336 8)