The Chatham Islands parakeet, also known as Forbes' parakeet, is a rare parakeet endemic to the Chatham Islands group, New Zealand. This parakeet is one of New Zealand's rarest birds and is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, as a result of a range of threats to the species survival, including habitat loss, predation, and hybridization. A number of conservation methods have been employed to assist the recovery of this species, and currently the population trend is considered stable.
Region
Chatham Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs on small predator-managed islands within the Chatham group, favoring regenerating coastal forest, scrub, and forest edge. It uses dense shrublands, tangles of vines, and patches of older Olearia and other native trees for feeding and nesting. Birds forage from ground to canopy, often along edges and clearings where seed and flower resources are concentrated. Nesting is typically in cavities in trees, stumps, or fallen logs in sheltered sites.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 300 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called Forbes' parakeet, this species is confined to the Chatham Islands of New Zealand and has been the focus of intensive conservation work. Its main threats have included habitat loss, predation by introduced mammals, and hybridization with the red-crowned parakeet. Predator control, habitat restoration, and careful management of hybridization have stabilized numbers. It remains one of New Zealand’s rarest parrots and is strictly protected.
Temperament
wary but active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with swift, direct flight
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups; forms looser flocks where food is abundant. Monogamous pairs nest in cavities and defend territories around nest sites. Hybridization with the sympatric red-crowned parakeet is controlled through management to maintain genetic integrity.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are sharp, ringing chits and chatter used for contact in flight and while foraging. Song is a series of rapid, melodious twitters interspersed with harsher notes, especially in pair communication.
