Kākāpō: Facts About New Zealand’s Flightless Parrot
The kākāpō (Strigops habroptilus) is a large, nocturnal, flightless parrot found only in New Zealand. It is one of the world’s most unusual parrots and remains a conservation priority.
What makes the kākāpō unusual?
- It is flightless, although its wings help with balance and short controlled descents.
- It is nocturnal.
- It is the heaviest living parrot species.
- Males use a lek breeding system, gathering at display sites and producing low-frequency booming calls.
- It can climb trees despite being unable to fly.
Where do kākāpō live now?
The New Zealand Department of Conservation reports that today’s kākāpō live on protected offshore islands and in a fenced mainland sanctuary where introduced mammalian predators can be intensively controlled.
Why did the species decline?
Kākāpō evolved without mammalian predators. Their ground-oriented behavior and tendency to freeze when threatened were poorly suited to introduced predators such as cats, rats and stoats. Habitat change, disease and low reproductive success also complicate recovery.
Current population
As of September 1, 2026, New Zealand’s Department of Conservation reported an official population of 325 kākāpō after the 2026 breeding season. Because conservation totals can change, readers should check DOC for the latest count rather than relying on an old static number.
Can people keep kākāpō as pets?
No. Kākāpō are critically endangered wildlife managed through a specialized conservation program. They are not companion parrots and there is currently no public place where visitors can routinely see them in person.
Related reading
For a broader explanation of the phrase “ground-dwelling parrot,” see our ground-oriented parrot guide.
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