Kakapo Bird

The Kakapo, also known as the owl parrot is native to New Zealand and is absolutely fascinating in many unique ways. It weighs on average, 8 pounds and is known as a flightless bird, traveling mainly along the forest floors. It is known for using a braking system called parachuting in lieu of flying, its large beak is perfect for climbing trees and its large wings are perfect for gliding from tree to tree. The Kakapo is largely nocturnal which lends to its nickname the owl parrot and uses its unique green feathers as a method of camouflage.
Physically, the Kakapo is astounding. The feathers are one of its greatest forms of protection. The strange speckled mixture of forest green, flecks of yellow and brown provide the perfect camouflage. The females are smaller and less brightly colored than the males. Both male and females share a large ivory and pale blue beak that is structurally perfect for grinding up roots, seeds, fruits, bulbs, buds, flowers, leaves, cones and pollen. The Kakapo bird’s beak is perhaps one of the most fascinating parts about it. It is covered in a set of tiny whiskers that it uses to navigate itself along the forest floor.
The unique qualities don’t stop on the outside of this bird. The kakapo also has a well-developed sense of smell, which proves very useful in its nocturnal lifestyle. The Kakapos’ nose is incredibly strong in its abilities to pick up scents , their sense of smell is so strong that they are able to differentiate between different types of foods in the pitch dark. Unfortunately, they also emit a very strong odor, sometimes described as “a strong musty smell”. This likely helps kakapos find each other in the forest This smell can oftentimes be a red flag for predators, making it harder for the Kakapo to hide effectively.
When the Kakapo enters breeding season in the summer, they are also known for their incredibly unique behaviors. They are the only flightless bird with a “lek” breeding system. They attract their mates