The black-fronted parakeet or Tahiti parakeet is an extinct species of parrot endemic to the Pacific island of Tahiti. Its native name was simply 'ā'ā ("parrot") according to Latham (1790) though White (1887) gives "aa-maha".
Region
South Pacific (Society Islands)
Typical Environment
Historically restricted to Tahiti, where it inhabited native lowland and montane forests, forest edges, and river valleys. It likely used secondary growth and fruiting trees in disturbed habitats as many Cyanoramphus do. Nesting probably occurred in tree cavities or epiphytes within mature forest. Little direct field data exist due to early extinction, but behavior and habitat use are inferred from close relatives.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as the Tahiti parakeet, this species was endemic to the island of Tahiti and is now extinct, likely due to habitat loss, hunting, and introduced predators. Early accounts recorded its native name as 'ā'ā and sometimes 'aa-maha'. Its scientific epithet caused historical confusion with New Zealand parrots, but specimens and reports confirm its Society Islands origin.
Painting by Georg Forster
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Likely formed small, noisy groups outside the breeding season and paired monogamously during breeding. Nests were probably placed in tree cavities, as in related Cyanoramphus species. Parents would have shared incubation and chick-rearing duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of sharp chattering contact calls interspersed with metallic chirps. In flight, calls were rapid and repeated; perched birds gave softer twitters.
Plumage
Primarily bright green with a contrasting black frontal band on the forecrown and lores; wings show bluish edging on the primaries and tail may have bluish tones. Underparts a slightly lighter green with a yellowish wash.
Diet
Likely fed on a mix of seeds, fruits, buds, and flowers from native forest plants. It probably supplemented this with nectar during bloom periods and small invertebrates such as larvae for protein. Seasonal variability in food availability would have influenced foraging choices.
Preferred Environment
Foraged in the forest canopy and edges, visiting fruiting and flowering trees. It may also have fed in secondary growth and along riverine corridors where resources were concentrated.
