Reischek's parakeet is a small green parrot confined to 21 km2 (8.1 sq mi) Antipodes Island, one of New Zealand’s subantarctic islands, which it shares with a congener, the larger Antipodes parakeet.
Region
New Zealand Subantarctic Islands
Typical Environment
Found exclusively on Antipodes Island, occupying coastal slopes, plateaus, and interior valleys. It favors dense tussock grasslands and patches of megaherbs and low shrubland, often near penguin and petrel colonies where food is abundant. Nests are placed in peat banks, under tussock bases, among rocks, or in natural cavities. The species is adapted to cool, wet, and windy oceanic conditions with limited tree cover.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 400 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Reischek's parakeet is a small green kakariki confined to Antipodes Island in New Zealand’s subantarctic, where it coexists with the larger Antipodes parakeet. It typically forages in tussock and megaherb communities and around seabird colonies, exploiting a broad diet for such a harsh, windy environment. Its tiny range makes it vulnerable to stochastic events despite the island being free of mammalian predators.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, direct flights in windy conditions
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small groups outside the breeding season, with loose flocks forming at rich food sources. Nests in cavities or earthen/peaty tunnels lined with vegetation. The female incubates while the male provisions her, and both parents feed the chicks.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A mix of sharp chips and chatters, with rapid 'kek-kek' contact notes. Males deliver a faster, more musical trill during displays and at nesting sites.
Plumage
Bright green overall with blue-tinged flight feathers and a distinct red crown and frontal band, plus a narrow red eye-stripe. Underparts are slightly paler green; primaries show bluish edges in flight.
Diet
Feeds on seeds and fresh shoots of tussock grasses, flowers and seeds of megaherbs, and various berries when available. Also takes small invertebrates such as beetles and larvae gleaned from vegetation and peat. Around seabird colonies it opportunistically consumes spillage and organic detritus.
Preferred Environment
Forages on the ground and low vegetation in tussock grassland, among megaherbs, and along rocky coastal slopes. Frequently searches around penguin and petrel colonies where nutrients are concentrated.
