The Largest Parrot in the World
When people think of parrots, they usually imagine brightly colored, talkative birds flying gracefully through the trees. However, the largest parrot in the world breaks this stereotype entirely. Known as the kakapo (Strigops habroptilus), this extraordinary bird is a flightless parrot native to New Zealand.
The kakapo is remarkable for many reasons. First, it is massive for a parrot — adults can weigh up to 4 kilograms (around 9 pounds) and measure over 60 centimeters in length. This makes it not only the heaviest parrot but also one of the longest-lived birds, with some individuals reaching more than 90 years of age.
Unlike most parrots, the kakapo cannot fly. Its wings are small, and its body is built for climbing rather than soaring. It uses strong legs to navigate the forest floor and can clamber up trees to feed on leaves, fruits, and seeds. At night, it becomes active, making it a nocturnal bird — another unusual trait for parrots.
Kakapos have a soft, mossy-green plumage that blends perfectly with the New Zealand forests, serving as camouflage from predators. Unfortunately, their inability to fly, combined with the introduction of cats, stoats, and rats by humans, led to a severe population decline. At one point, only about 50 individuals remained in the wild.
Thanks to dedicated conservation efforts, the kakapo population has slowly increased, and today there are over 250 individuals. Each bird is carefully monitored and protected on predator-free islands. The kakapo is a living reminder of how unique and fragile wildlife can be — and how human effort can help bring a species back from the brink of extinction.
