This is from a report from the Center for Biological Diversity

Wild & Weird: Shagged by a Rare and Pudgy Parrot

KakapoWhen zoologist Mark Carwardine headed into the dense jungle
landscape of New Zealand in search of one of the last remaining wild
kakapos -- pudgy, nocturnal parrots that can't fly -- little did he
know he was entering a meat-market singles scene.

Male kakapos are polyamorous birds known for sexual freedom and
inquisitiveness, which extends, it seems, even to British zoologists.
At Carwardine's meeting, the kakapo leapt onto his neck and engaged
in a carnal, wing-flapping gyration of ecstasy. Unfortunately for the
lovestruck bird, his tryst with Carwardine may prove a sterile venture.

Kakapos are the only species of flightless parrot in the world, and use
a rare tactic of "freezing" when threatened -- and they're critically
endangered. These birds' niche adaptations worked well for the species
for thousands of years, but European introduction of nonnative weasels,
ferrets and stoats has taken its toll on their success.

See the video "Shagged by Rare Parrot"
<http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/news/center/audio_video/bbc-two-09-29-2009.html>
(complete with impromptu commentary by Stephen Fry). We promise it's
worth your while.

[Posted in FML 7472]