Strigops habroptilus
Range
They are found on the islands off the coast of New Zealand.
Habitat
They live in the coastal forests.
Body Traits
They have soft green and yellow feathers that help them blend into the forest. They are about 8.5 inches tall and can weigh up to 9 pounds, making them the heaviest parrot in the world. They have an air sac with which they can make a booming call to attract females. They are the only parrot that can do this.
Habits
They cannot fly (they may be the world’s only flightless parrot), but they can climb trees. They are active at night (nocturnal). Man was their most dangerous predator until rats, weasels (stoats) and housecats were brought to New Zealand. They are very endangered.
Diet
They eat fruits, roots and leaves.
Reproduction
They nest on the ground, the males making a hollow in the ground and calling for a female. They don’t breed every year.
Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vetebrata
Class: Aves
Order: Psittaciformes
Family: Strigopidae
Genus: Strigops
Species: S. habroptila