The Raiatea parakeet or Society parakeet, also known as the Society kakariki or brown-headed parakeet, is an extinct parakeet of the genus Cyanoramphus.
Region
South Pacific (Society Islands)
Typical Environment
Historically restricted to the island of Raiatea, where it likely occupied native lowland and valley forests as well as forest edges. It probably used a mosaic of habitats including secondary growth and coastal groves. Like related Cyanoramphus, it may have foraged from understory to canopy, and sometimes on the ground for fallen seeds and fruits. Nesting would have been in natural tree cavities or crevices. Human-altered landscapes and introduced predators would have quickly reduced suitable habitat and survivorship.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This extinct parakeet was endemic to the island of Raiatea in the Society Islands and is known from only a couple of museum specimens collected during Captain Cook’s voyages in the 1770s. Contemporary accounts describe a brown-headed kakariki unlike most other Cyanoramphus. Its extinction likely followed rapid habitat loss and the introduction of predators after European contact. No verified sightings have been made since the 18th–19th century.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Likely lived in pairs or small family groups, joining loose flocks where food was abundant. Nesting probably occurred in tree cavities with both parents attending the young. Territoriality would have been strongest around nest sites, easing outside the breeding season. Behavior presumably resembled other Cyanoramphus parakeets of the Pacific.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of sharp, high-pitched chattering notes typical of small parakeets. Flight calls likely rapid and clipped, with softer contact notes given while foraging.
Plumage
Green body with a yellowish cast, contrasting with a uniform dark brown head; bluish tones on the outer flight feathers. Underparts paler green-yellow; tail green with darker tips. Bill pale horn to greyish, relatively slender for a parakeet.
Diet
Likely a mix of seeds, fruits, flower buds, and nectar from native forest plants. It probably supplemented with leaf material and occasional small invertebrates such as caterpillars or beetle larvae. Seasonal availability of blossoms and fruit would have shaped its movements within home ranges. Foraging techniques likely included gleaning from foliage and probing into flowers and seed heads.
Preferred Environment
Foraged in native lowland forest, edges, and possibly coastal groves or plantations. Activity would have centered in trees and shrubs, with some opportunistic ground feeding under fruiting trees.
