Kakapo are unusual birds. These world's largest parrots were extremely common in their homeland, New Zealand, until as a result of several factors they were on the verge of extinction. Now green-yellow birds with a stocky physique are under threat of complete extinction, so the Department of Nature Protection of New Zealand took up the restoration of the population. There are currently 147 adult birds, each of which has been carefully examined.
Kakapo is certainly a very interesting and bizarre bird, ranging from unusual plumage on its head to sophisticated rituals when it comes to the mating season. Here are the most interesting facts about this unique bird.
In fact, some of them are not like parrots.
Kakapo are more like owls. They have an unusual arrangement of feathers on their heads that look like a mustache or whiskers.
Night loneliness
The name kakapo means "night parrot." These birds prefer solitary night walks. Kakapo Recovery calls this parrot species “midnight strollers” because its representatives love to sleep all day and fly all alone at night. These birds, as a rule, sit on trees in the afternoon and rest, and in the evening go in search of food. They only seek company when the time comes to multiply.
How "ugly Betty" looks in new pictures: America Ferrera is expecting a baby
Old toys can get a second life: we make useful things out of them
The star came down: the guy made an offer to his beloved at the climbing wall
Each of the remaining cocoa was given a name
Since there were so few birds left, everyone got names. The nicknames were invented by the participants in the Kakapo population recovery program. Adult birds in most cases have been given English names such as Boomer, Flossi, and Ruth. Those who entered the program later had mostly Maori names such as Ra, Ruapuke, and Tayetanga. Some parrots were named after people who participate in a conservation program. For example, Attenborough was named after conservationist David Attenborough.
Kakapo - Single Mothers
A sad fact: after insemination, males throw females that independently breed chicks. The female usually lays one to four eggs. She has to leave the newborn chicks alone for the night to go in search of food. Chicks usually leave the nest about ten weeks after they hatch, but often mothers continue to feed them until they are six months old.
Mom made a room for her son in the style of "Star Wars": he is delighted with such an idea"Letting go" of resentment and learning to have compassion: how not to become addicted to the role of the victim
Always fresh honey: the beekeeper installed beehives on the roof of a Paris hotel
They are not in a hurry with the relationship
Males do not begin to breed until they are four years old, and females reach this milestone in six years. Reproduction does not occur annually. In most cases, kakapo lay eggs every two to four years. According to researchers, the frequency of reproduction depends on the availability of food supplies.
The courtship process is very interesting.
During the breeding season, males climb high cliffs or hilltops, swell like balloons and make a loud boom-like sound. This “boom” announces to all interested females that the males are ready for mating. After 20-30 of these beeps, they begin to make ringing sounds. They are very piercing. Thanks to this sound, the female can determine the location of the male with high accuracy in order to easily find it. This boom-jing model can last eight hours every night for two to three months.
Unusual noise
When kakapo communicate, they make sounds typical of parrots, but they have a more diverse "vocabulary." Some of the sounds in their arsenal are like a donkey's roar or a squeal of a pig.
They freeze when they notice a danger
This is not the best way of protection, but they somehow freeze when they feel danger or are afraid. Perhaps they acquired this pattern of behavior when most of the predators in New Zealand were birds, so fading could work just fine.
Ethiopians accused the tourist of witchcraft, having caught for a completely innocent occupationGrandmother's eyes: what does the grown-up grandson of Vera Glagoleva look like in new pictures
My husband’s garage: tired mother made “Woman’s Cave” for relaxation
Specific smell
Biologist Jim Briskey of the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand told National Geographic that it smells like a "musty violin case." Unfortunately, the characteristic odor makes it easier for predators to track cocoa.
Heavy weight
Kakapo are in a high weight category. Adult males weigh on average more than four kg, and their body length is about 60 cm.
Kakapo can't fly
Although this species has large wings, birds do not use them for flight. Instead, they are excellent climbers and jumpers. Wings are needed to maintain balance and slow flight when jumping from a height.
High life expectancy
Kakapos live on average 58 years, some live to 90 years.
