Yellow-crowned Parakeet

Kākāriki is a small green forest parakeet with a golden-yellow crown and narrow crimson band above the bill. The yellow crown separates it from red-crowned kākāriki, while orange-fronted kākāriki has an orange frontal patch.

Patchy populations occur in native forest on both main islands and several offshore islands, with stronger numbers in parts of the South Island. It feeds quietly on seeds, buds, fruit and invertebrates and nests in tree cavities.

Yellow-crowned parakeet is At Risk — Declining (NZ Threat Classification). Stoats and rats raid nests, and forest fragmentation isolates populations. South Island beech forests, Ulva Island and predator-managed reserves offer the best chances.