The Seychelles parakeet or Seychelles Island parrot is an extinct species of parrot that was endemic to the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean. It was scientifically named Palaeornis wardi by the British ornithologist Edward Newton in 1867, and the specific name honours the British civil commissioner Swinburne Ward who procured the specimens that formed the basis for the description. It was found on the islands of Mahé, Silhouette, and possibly Praslin. Ten skin specimens exist today, but no skeletons. Though the species was later moved to the genus Psittacula, genetic studies have led some researchers to suggest it should belong in a reinstated Palaeornis along with the closely related Alexandrine parakeet (P. eupatria) of Asia.
Region
Seychelles Archipelago
Typical Environment
Historically occupied forested areas and wooded valleys on the granitic inner islands, using both native forest and secondary growth. Birds were frequently reported along forest edges and in cultivated lands where fruiting trees and crops were available. They likely nested in tree cavities within mature woodland. Proximity to human settlements brought them into plantations, contributing to persecution and decline.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Seychelles parakeet was an island parrot once found on Mahé, Silhouette, and possibly Praslin in the Seychelles. It went extinct in the late 19th century due to habitat loss and persecution as an agricultural pest. Only about ten museum skins are known today, and no skeletons exist. Though long placed in Psittacula, some studies suggest it belongs with the Alexandrine parakeet in a reinstated genus Palaeornis.
Two male Alexandrine parakeets. This species is the closest living relative of the Seychelles parakeet.
Illustration of a male, by Keulemans, 1907
Only known depiction from life, showing a captive juvenile (left) and male, by Marianne North, 1883
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid, direct wingbeats
Social Behavior
Observed in pairs or small, noisy flocks, especially outside the breeding season. Likely formed monogamous pairs and nested in tree cavities, as typical of Psittacula parakeets. Family groups may have joined loose foraging flocks after fledging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Loud, ringing screeches and repeated contact calls carried over long distances. In flocks they added chattering notes and sharper alarm calls when disturbed.
