kakapo

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Nocturnal flightless parrot that lives in burrows in New Zealand. It is green, yellow, and brown with a disc of brown feathers round its eyes, like an owl. It weighs up to 3.5 kg/7.5 lb. When in danger, its main defence is to remain perfectly still. Because of the introduction of predators such as dogs, cats, rats, and ferrets, it is in danger of extinction. In 1998 there were only 56 birds left in the wild. (Species Strigops habroptilus, order Psittaciformes.)

Kakapos are the only parrots to have a lek mating system, where small territories are occupied by males during the mating season. The males excavate a hollow in the ground in a mating arena and then produce a low-frequency booming noise using an inflatable air sac in the thorax. Females can hear this noise from up to 5 km away. Females nest on the ground and can lay two to four eggs which they incubate without help from the male, for 30 days. Kakapos are very slow breeders and do not produce a clutch every year.

Black recalls the country's tragic past. White reflects the Georgians' hopes for the future. Dark red is the national colour and is said to represent happiness. Effective date: 14 November 1990. >>