Monochrome parakeet

Monochrome parakeet
	Red Parakeet ( Cyanoramphus unicolor )
Systematics
Class :	Birds (aves)
Order :	Parrots (Psittaciformes)
Family :	True parrots (Psittacidae)
Tribe :	Flat-tailed Parakeets (Platycercini)
Genre :	Running parakeets ( Cyanoramphus )
Type :	Monochrome parakeet
Scientific name
	Cyanoramphus unicolor
	( Lear , 1831)

The monochrome parakeet ( Cyanoramphus unicolor ) or monochrome parakeet is a species of parrot from the genus of kakarikis or parakeets ( Cyanoramphus ).

description

This parakeet reaches a size of 29 cm for the hens and up to 32 cm for the cockerel. The weight is up to 136 grams. This makes it the largest species in the family of parakeets. The plumage is mostly green. The chest, belly and under tail-coverts are yellow-green. The wing covers and the broad insides of the feathers are purple-blue. The beak has a light silver-gray tint and a black tip. The head is green. The eyes are orange and the feet are gray in color. His call consists of a wide range of rattling sounds. The pitch is lower than that of other parakeet species.

Habitat and Distribution

The monochrome parakeet is endemic to the Antipodal Islands , a small group of islands southeast of New Zealand . He talks to preference in areas with Poa lite pink on a Rispengrasart which mainly grows on coastal slopes.

Way of life

Its diet consists of the leaves of the tussock grass as well as sedges, flowers and berries; but apparently he does n't disdain carrion either, because he has already been seen on dead penguin bodies. Five to six eggs are laid in human care, but usually only one to three young are raised in the wild. These parakeets can live for over ten years.

Monochrome parakeet and human

The monochrome parakeet is not seriously endangered today. In 1907, some specimens were brought to Kapiti Island , where they survived for 20 years. It is most common on the main Antipodes Island , Antipodes Island (20 km²), and on Bollons Island (0.5 km²). It is less common on the islands of Leeward (0.1 km²), Inner Windward (0.1 km²) and Archway (0.1 km²). Since 1978 the stock has been stable at 2000 to 3000 copies. Due to the small distribution area, however, the accidental importation of rats, weasels and mice could be a serious danger, and therefore it was classified as endangered (vulnerable) by the IUCN . It is in Appendix II of the CITES agreement. The monochrome parakeet is a popular aviary in New Zealand, where it also breeds well. In Europe, however, it was seldom introduced and is probably no longer kept here today.