The Ouvea parakeet or Uvea parakeet, is a species of parrot in the genus Eunymphicus, in the family Psittaculidae. It is endemic to the island of Uvea, including Faiava Island in the Loyalty Islands, New Caledonia. The species was once considered conspecific with the horned parakeet of Grande Terre, but they have now been split into two species.
Region
Southwest Pacific (Loyalty Islands, New Caledonia)
Typical Environment
Occurs only on Ouvéa (Uvea) and the small adjacent islet of Faiava. It uses native coastal and lowland forests, forest edges, and groves of coconut and other tall trees where natural cavities are available for nesting. Birds may also forage in mixed secondary growth and village gardens when fruiting trees are present. The range is extremely restricted and fragmented by agriculture and roads.
Altitude Range
0–60 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This island parakeet is confined to Ouvéa (Uvea) and nearby Faiava in the Loyalty Islands of New Caledonia. It was once lumped with the horned parakeet but lacks the latter’s distinctive head plumes. Intensive community-led conservation, including nest protection and predator control, has helped its population recover. Ongoing threats include habitat loss and illegal capture for the pet trade.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, sometimes forming loose flocks at fruiting trees. Nests in natural cavities of large, mature trees. Both parents attend the nest and feed the young. Territoriality is modest outside the immediate nesting area.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are bright, ringing chattering notes interspersed with sharper screeches. In flight it gives repeated contact calls; perched birds offer softer conversational twitters.
Plumage
Mostly bright green with a yellow‑olive wash on the head and neck; bluish tones on the wings and tail; long graduated tail. Lacks the horn-like head plumes of the horned parakeet.
Diet
Feeds on a variety of fruits, seeds, nuts, and flower parts, including nectar when available. Frequently visits native figs and other fruiting trees and may take cultivated fruits. Also consumes buds and leaf material during lean periods. Foraging is typically methodical among canopy and subcanopy branches.
Preferred Environment
Primarily the canopy and edges of lowland coastal forest and tall groves. Regularly visits coconut plantations and village trees when fruiting. Will use secondary growth if large cavity-bearing trees remain nearby.
