Owl Parrot
CR

Owl Parrot

Strigops habroptila

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K%C4%81k%C4%81p%C5%8D

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Owl Parrot faces severe threats from introduced mammalian predators, particularly stoats, cats, and rats, which prey on eggs, chicks, and adults of this flightless species. Habitat destruction from deforestation and human development has drastically reduced available nesting and foraging areas. The species' extremely slow reproductive rate, with females breeding only every 2-4 years when rimu fruit is abundant, makes population recovery exceptionally difficult.

Threat summary

Habitat

Native temperate rainforests and beech forests of New Zealand, particularly areas with abundant rimu, beech, and other native trees that provide essential fruits and seeds. The species requires large territories with dense canopy cover and minimal human disturbance, typically in mountainous and island environments.

Other threatened species in Psittacidae

Scarlet-shouldered ParrotletVU

Scarlet-shouldered Parrotlet

Touit huetii

Unknown
Rusty-faced ParrotVU

Rusty-faced Parrot

Hapalopsittaca amazonina

Unknown
Palm LorikeetVU

Palm Lorikeet

Charmosyna palmarum

Unknown
Saffron-headed ParrotVU

Saffron-headed Parrot

Pionopsitta pyrilia

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Owl Parrot classified as Critically Endangered?
Owl Parrot is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. The Owl Parrot faces severe threats from introduced mammalian predators, particularly stoats, cats, and rats, which prey on eggs, chicks, and adults of this flightless species. Habitat destruction from deforestation and human development has drastically reduced available nesting and foraging areas. The species' extremely slow reproductive rate, with females breeding only every 2-4 years when rimu fruit is abundant, makes population recovery exceptionally difficult.
Where does Owl Parrot live?
Owl Parrot occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Owl Parrot?
The main threats to Owl Parrot are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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