Forbes' Parakeet

Forbes’ parakeet is an endemic green parakeet confined to two small islands in the Chatham group. It has a yellow crown with an orange-red frontal band and emerald body; Chatham red-crowned parakeet has a much broader red crown, and hybrids show intermediate head colour.

The species occurs only on Mangere and Little Mangere islands in the Chatham Islands. Birds eat seeds, flowers, fruit and invertebrates and nest in tree cavities or rock holes.

Forbes’ parakeet is Threatened — Nationally Endangered (NZ Threat Classification). Hybridisation with red-crowned parakeets, small range and predator risk require intensive management. Mangere Island access is restricted for conservation, so public viewing opportunities are extremely limited.