Which of the following is a flightless bird?

Flightless birds are species of birds that, despite having wings, are incapable of flight. One of the most remarkable examples is the Kakapo (Strigops habroptilus), also known as the owl parrot. Native to New Zealand, the Kakapo is critically endangered and is unique for several reasons.

The Kakapo is the only flightless parrot in the world. Unlike other parrots, its wings are too short and weak to enable flying. Instead, the Kakapo uses its wings for balance while climbing trees and for breaking falls when it jumps down. Its body is heavy compared to its wing size, and it has relatively strong legs, which make it adapted to walking, climbing, and running instead of flying.

Let’s examine the options:

• 
  

  Pavo cristatus (Peacock): Although peacocks are not strong fliers, they can fly short distances, usually to escape predators or roost in trees.

  
  


• 
  

  Kakapo: Correct. This bird is entirely flightless and nocturnal.

  
  


• 
  

  Passer (Sparrow): Sparrows are excellent fliers, agile in the air.

  
  


• 
  

  None of these: Incorrect, because Kakapo is indeed a flightless bird.

  
  

The Kakapo has several other fascinating characteristics:

• 
  

  It is nocturnal, being active at night.

  
  


• 
  

  It has a herbivorous diet, feeding mainly on leaves, fruits, and seeds.

  
  


• 
  

  Its lifespan can exceed 90 years, making it one of the longest-living birds.

  
  


• 
  

  Due to introduced predators like cats and rats, the Kakapo population nearly vanished. Today, with conservation efforts, only around 250 individuals survive.

  
  

Flightless birds evolved in environments where predators were absent, so flying was unnecessary. The Kakapo thrived in New Zealand until humans introduced predators, which made its flightlessness a disadvantage.

In conclusion, the correct answer is B) Kakapo, a truly unique and endangered flightless parrot.