Which parrot is the heaviest living parrot species?

The kākāpō is the heaviest living parrot species. This flightless, nocturnal parrot is endemic to New Zealand and can weigh substantially more than any flying parrot.

Its bulk is closely linked to island evolution. With few native mammalian predators, kākāpō developed a robust body, reduced flight muscles, short wings and a shallow breastbone keel. It cannot fly, but climbs trees and uses its wings to balance and soften falls.

The species is also unusual for its owl-like facial disc, moss-green camouflage, strong sense of smell and booming mating calls. Males gather at display sites called leks, where they compete for visiting females—a breeding system unique among parrots.

A common mix-up is the hyacinth macaw, the heaviest flying parrot. The kākāpō is heavier overall, but its flightlessness is central to why it can carry so much body mass. Introduced predators nearly eliminated it, and the Kākāpō Recovery Programme, begun in 1995, now manages every known bird.