The Lord Howe parakeet, also known as the Lord Howe red-fronted parakeet, is an extinct parrot endemic to Lord Howe Island in the Tasman Sea, part of New South Wales, Australia. It was described as full species by Tommaso Salvadori in 1891, but subsequently it has been regarded as subspecies of the red-crowned parakeet. In 2012, the IOC World Bird List recognised it as species.
Region
Tasman Sea
Typical Environment
This species was confined to Lord Howe Island, occupying subtropical forests, palm groves, and forest edges. It frequented lowland clearings and gardens where food was abundant, including cultivated plots. Birds foraged both in the canopy and on the ground, moving between native vegetation and human-altered habitats. Nesting likely occurred in tree cavities of mature forest trees and palms.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Lord Howe parakeet was an island endemic that vanished in the late 19th century, largely due to persecution as an agricultural pest after European settlement. Long treated as a subspecies of the red-crowned parakeet, it was recognized as a distinct species by the IOC in 2012. It was known for raiding gardens and maize fields, which hastened its decline. Today it survives only in museum specimens and historical accounts.
By Gönvold
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with fast, direct flight
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs or small groups, especially outside the breeding season. Likely formed monogamous pairs and nested in tree cavities. Birds moved between forest and open areas to feed and were bold around human settlements.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls were sharp chattering notes and clear ‘kek-kek’ contact calls. The vocalizations were frequent during flight and while foraging, with softer trills exchanged at close range.
