Maori name for the Night-parrot, Stringops habroptilus, Gray. Called also Owl-parrot. See Kaka. The syllable pois Maori for night. Compare Katipo (q.v.).
1869. J. Gould, `Birds of Australia' (Supplement):
« Strigops habroptilus, G. R. Gray, Kakapo, native name.»
1888. W. L. Buller, `Birds of New Zealand,' vol. i. p. 149:
« Stringops, owl-parrot – – ground-parrot of the colonists.»
1889. Prof. Parker, `Catalogue of New Zealand Exhibition,'p. 117:
«Although possessing large wings, it is flightless, itsbreast-muscles being so small as to be practically useless.Its habits are nocturnal, and it has a ring of feathersarranged round the eye, giving it a curious resemblance toan owl, whence the name owl-parrot is often applied to it.»
1893. A. R. Wallace, `Australasia,' vol. i. p. 445:
«Another remarkable bird is the owl parrot ( Stringopshabroptilus) of a greenish colour, and with a circle offeathers round the eye as in the owl. It is nocturnal in itshabits, lives in holes in the ground under tree-roots orrocks.»
1896. `Otago Witness,' June 11, p. 53:
«The Kakapo is one of our most unique birds.»