kakapo

[ kah-kuh-poh ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

, plural ka·ka·pos [kah-k, uh, -, pohz].

a large, almost flightless nocturnal parrot, Strigops habroptilus, of New Zealand: an endangered species.

kakapo

/ ˈkɑːkəˌpəʊ /

a ground-living nocturnal parrot, Strigops habroptilus, of New Zealand, resembling an owl

Origin of kakapo¹

1835–45; < Maori kākāpō ( kākā kaka + pō night)

Origin of kakapo¹

C19: from Māori, literally: night kaka

Strigops, strī′gops, n. a genus containing the kakapo or nocturnal New Zealand parrot, the owl-parrots.

In captivity the kakapo is said to show much intelligence, as well as an affectionate and playful disposition.

Browse