It is the world's only flightless parrot, the world's heaviest parrot, and also is nocturnal, herbivorous, visibly sexually dimorphic in body size, has a low basal metabolic rate, and does not have male parental care. It is the only parrot to have a polygynous lek breeding system.

The kakapo male will dig a 10 centimeter deep bowl to sit in, often at the bottom of a rock face, tree trunk or other ground features. To attract females, the male will then make loud low frequency calls known as ‘booms’. They are so low in frequency that they can travel up to 3 miles.

Males have an inflatable air sac in their throats and can make loud booming noises. Kakapos are the only parrots to use a “lek” system for breeding. Their mating period is highly irregular, taking place over 2-4 years at a time, depending on the fruit of the rimu tree.

During the breeding season – once every three to five years – male kākāpō gather in a central arena. Each male creates a booming bowl – a basin – and a network of tracks leading to it. They sit in their bowls night after night from December to …

May 27, 2024 · As the reproduction period approaches (between December and February or March), male kakapo will leave their home territory and establish a mating area on the hilltops. These leks, as they’re called, consist of a hollow bowl carefully trimmed of all vegetation.

Kākāpō are moss green mottled with yellow and black above, and similar but more yellow below. The bill is grey, and the legs and feet grey with pale soles. Voice: males make a deep booming call (“booming”) and a loud wheezing call (“chinging”) to attract mates to their leks. Both sexes make a loud high pitched skraak call (“skraaking”).

Kākāpō male territorial calls (MP3, 2,361K) 02:30 – Adult male giving territorial calls (00:43). Screaming in answer to playback of booming call played through amplifier.

As the breeding season approaches male Kakapos congregate in an area, known as a lek, to display for females. The males dig shallow bowls and perform a booming sound. Generally speaking, the male with the loudest boom and best spot breeds the most.

6 days ago · The kakapo is endemic to New Zealand, and this parrot holds an important place in Māori history and folklore. The name kakapo is from the Māori word kākāpō, which means “night parrot.” ... Another fascinating thing about kakapos is the incredible mating ritual that they partake in. Male kakapos gather in an arena and compete for the ...

Feb 18, 2020 · A lovesick, male kakapo parrot embarks on his long stroll each night during breeding season as he tries to beat out the competition for a female’s attention. Let’s take a look at the adorable, rotund, and flightless parrot with peculiar ways.