Owl Parrot
Strigops habroptila
Conservation status data sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K%C4%81k%C4%81p%C5%8D
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Psittaciformes
Family
Psittacidae
Genus
Strigops
Owl Parrot belongs to the family Psittacidae, order Psittaciformes, within the Aves class.
Species Profile
Species profile data sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
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.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
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.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
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.
Extremely low reproductive rate and irregular breeding cycles
Habitat loss and fragmentation from deforestation
Introduced mammalian predators (stoats, cats, rats)
Small population size and genetic bottlenecks
Disease susceptibility and parasites
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Owl Parrot (Strigops habroptila). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/owl-parrot