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Red Crowned Parakeet

Kakariki

Cyanoramphus novaezelandai

Red Crowned Parakeet are the largest of our two parakeets, and by far the most numerous. Their habits seem quite similar, and we do from time to time see them socialising. Parakeets are quite vocal, and we'll often hear their endless chattering and giggling.

They will often feed on the ground, something I never saw when I first came to Ulva. The rat population being such that no food survived for long on the ground. Now we often find them on the forest floor, scratching like chickens

Visually the only difference between the two speciesis the red crown, so the bird must be seen front on to distinguish from Yellow Crowned. Although when seen together the yellow is markedly smaller.

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Size 250 mm


Parakeet. We call this call the "giggle" and birds will make it "solo" or when in a group, at rest or flying
Flock. A flock of Parakeets can be very noisy .
Agility. Parakeets are extremely dexterous, using their beaks as an extra claw
Ground Feeding. Parakeets on Ulva regularly feed on the forest floor. This is a result of removing competition from rats, and something I never saw years ago
Feeding Young. Parakeets are cavity nesters, and feed their young by regurgitating. They will eat insects, fruit and flowers. I've watched a bird eating Kamahi flowers. Not dipping for nectar, but actually eating the whole raceme like a lawn mower.