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Mating Once a Decade
Kakapos only breed every 2-4 years when rimu trees fruit heavily — and some individuals have gone over a decade between breeding attempts.
Kakapo
Strigops habroptilus
This flightless parrot only breeds every 2-4 years, and males boom for months to attract females who often can't locate the sound.
Vital Stats
🏷️ TypeParrot (flightless, nocturnal)
🌍 Found InNew Zealand — predator-free offshore islands
📏 Size58-64cm, 2-4kg (heaviest parrot)
⏳ Lifespan60-100 years
🔞 Sexual Maturity5-6 years (females) | 4 years (males start booming)
💕 Mating SystemLek — males boom from hilltops; females choose based on call quality
📅 Mating SeasonEvery 2-4 years, triggered by rimu fruit masting
👶 Offspring1-4 eggs per breeding (rare events)
🍆 Penis Size2 cm
⏱️ Sex Duration30 seconds
🔬 Notable AnatomyMales boom up to 8 hours/night for 3-4 months; females can't pinpoint sound direction, often don't find males
⚖️ Sexual DimorphismMales 30-40% heavier