Story: Large forest birds

Kākāpō juvenile

Kākāpō juvenile

Kākāpō are nocturnal, flightless parrots that are unlike any other parrot. At night they jog for kilometres along the ground and clamber round in trees, searching for food. They use their short wings only for balance, or like a parachute to break their fall. Fine whiskery feathers around the face and a good sense of smell help them sense their immediate surroundings in the dark. Their soft plumage gives them better insulation than most birds, and this, combined with a lower body temperature, means they use less energy.

Using this item

Department of Conservation
Reference: 10059516
Photograph by Tui De Roy

This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.

Courtesy of Roving Tortoise Worldwide Nature Photography

All images & media in this story

How to cite this page:

Gerard Hutching, 'Large forest birds - Kākāpō', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/10576/kakapo-juvenile (accessed 27 April 2024)

Story by Gerard Hutching, published 24 Sep 2007, reviewed & revised 17 Feb 2015, updated 1 Aug 2023