5 Surprising Flightless Birds

The kakapo is a parrot species from New Zealand that stands out in several ways. First, it is the world’s only flightless parrot. It is also nocturnal, which is a unique trait among parrot species. It is the heaviest parrot species in the world, which is appropriate considering it does not have to stay light for taking flight.

But what really makes this bird stand out is its amazing conservation story. Gathered by the thousands for museums and collections around the world and facing new predators including the stoats, cats, and rats introduced by humans, this species was nearly wiped off the planet. Thankfully, a handful of dedicated people have worked tirelessly over the last century to create a breeding program to save the remaining parrots and boost their numbers.

Thanks to 2022’s bumper breeding season, there are now 252 kakapos alive on the planet—more than have been around since the 1970s. With that number steadily increasing, there is hope that this unique and charismatic species can survive.

2. Campbell Teal

The Campbell teal is one of two species of flightless teal. These little dabbling ducks are nocturnal, coming out at night to feed on insects and amphipods. They were once found on Campbell Island, their namesake near New Zealand, but were driven to extinction there after Norway rats found their way to the land. After a population was discovered on another island, the species was listed as critically endangered and conservationists worked for decades to create a successful captive breeding program.

In 2003, a massive effort was made to clear Campbell Island of rats and other pests, and in 2004, 50 Campbell teals were released there, marking the return of the species after an absence of nearly 100 years. Since then, the Campbell teal has settled in and appears to be thriving. Though it remains listed as endangered, the return to its home island gives great hope for the species.

3. Titicaca Grebe

Grebes are adorable birds, but this particular species takes the prize. The Titicaca flightless grebe (also known as the short-winged grebe) is found in Peru and Bolivia. It lives primarily on its namesake, Lake Titicaca, but can also be found in several surrounding high-altitude lakes. Though it cannot fly, the Titicaca grebe can swim expertly. It catches mostly small pupfish as prey.

Unlike many other flightless bird species that have been threatened by introduced predators, the Titicaca grebe is threatened because of the use of gill nets by fishermen. It is now listed as endangered as a result. Although some areas are protected, there is no concerted conservation effort underway for this species.

4. Kiwi

The kiwi is a famously flightless bird. It always encourages a double-take because of its small round body, feathers that look like fur, and unassuming whiskered face. So well-loved is the kiwi that it is the national symbol of New Zealand.

There are five species of kiwi, all of which are native to New Zealand. Two of the species are vulnerable, one is endangered, and one is critically endangered. Though large swaths of their forest habitat are now protected, they still face the danger of predation by introduced carnivores, such as cats.

Kiwis have been flightless for so long that their vestigial wings are barely visible among their fluffy feathers. They also lay the largest eggs relative to body size of any bird in the world. Adult kiwis are monogamous and mate for life, spending as many as 20 years as a faithful couple.

These shy birds are nocturnal and use their keen sense of smell to locate prey in the night. Unlike any other bird species, their nostrils are located at the end of their bills, making it easier for them to sniff out the worms, grubs, and seeds on which they feed.

5. Guam Rail

The Guam rail was once abundant on the island of Guam, but in the 1960s, a population of accidentally introduced brown tree snakes took hold of the island. These birds nest on the ground which, combined with their inability to escape via flight, meant that they didn’t stand a chance against the new predators, despite being very fast runners. By the 1980s, they were extinct in the wild.

The species can still be seen today, though, thanks to zoologist Bob Beck who worked for more than 20 years on capturing the last of the wild Guam rails, creating captive breeding programs in zoos, and releasing Guam rails on nearby islands.

In November 2010, 16 Guam rails were reintroduced to Cocos Island and, through careful monitoring, the reintroduction seems to have been successful. They are also now living on Rota Island. With luck and continued conservation work, the population of Guam rails can perhaps take hold and no longer be considered extinct in the wild; however, they are still considered critically endangered by the IUCN.…..See More