26 cm.. length and 100 g. of weight.
The upperparts of the New Caledonian Parakeet (Cyanoramphus saisseti) They are mostly green, with some bluish green in the tail, violet-blue along the outerweb flight feathers, and red patches on each side of the rump. The underparts are yellowish green, yellower near throat, and gray below tail (Forshaw 1989, Juniper & Parr 1998, Doughty et al. 1999).
A red patch extends from the crown up to the forecrown, and it extends in a narrow band from the forecrown up to the lores (Juniper & Parr 1998).
The bill is leaden gray, with black tips, the irises is red-orange and legs are dark gray. (Layard & Layard 1882b, Juniper & Parr 1998).
The males typically exceed the females in size, although its plumage is similar (Verreaux & walls 1860, Layard & Layard 1882b, Salvadori 1891, Forshaw 1989)
taxonomy:
In the past it was considered to New Caledonian Parakeet conspecific of Red-fronted Parakeet (Cyanoramphus novaezelandiae) of New Zealand, but genetic studies have shown that it is a separate species and occupying a basal position on gender Cyanoramphus, It is indicating that the genre would have originated New Caledonia.
- Sound of the New Caledonian Parakeet.
The New Caledonian Parakeet They were primarily fed at low altitudes canopy, and regularly they observed on the edge of the forest, on slopes or in the forest maquis (scrub).
Seem to have small populations and their distributions are expected to shrink as a result of climate change.
They are not particularly shy, although they tend to be rather quiet and difficult to observe.
It has been reported that the nesting It occurs between November and January, and nidadas They consist of two to five eggs, that they are placed in holes in trees (Hannecart & Létocart 1980, Theuerkauf et al. 2009b).
Genetic evidence suggests that the species is polyandrous, and the presence of male food assistants suggests that probably involves mating system poliandria cooperative (Theuerkauf et al., 1999).
It is usually fed in average heights, low canopy, but it has also been observed that feeds on the floor.
Essentially it is granívoro. It feeds mainly on seeds and fruits, besides berries, nuts and other plant parts (outbreaks, flowers and leaves).
The New Caledonian Parakeet It is endemic to the main island of New Caledonia, although there are still uncertainties about the extent of its range and population size (Taylor 1985, Juniper & Parr 1998). The species was considered rare at the time of its introduction (Verreaux & walls 1860). However, in the Decade of 1880, Flocks of birds were reported in the West, flying into the valleys Moindou from nearby mountain forests, where it is rumored to have slept in large quantities (Layard & Layard 1882b).
It has the lowest population density of parrots New Caledonia.
• Current red list category of the UICN: Vulnerable.
• Population trend: Decreasing.
• Population size : 2500-10,000 individuals.
The New Caledonian Parakeet They face a variety of threats, and their populations seem to be in decline. However, it is difficult to determine the cause or the extent of their declines due to the lack of ecological data.
classified as Vulnerable because it has a single small population suspected to be declining due to predation by invasive species; His strength is threatened by a nickel mining area and can suffer a rapid decline in the near future.
The mountain rainforest is not threatened, but it is possible that this species in need of other habitats, some of which, particularly semi-deciduous forests lowland, They have almost disappeared from the island. It is possible that introduced diseases (such as avian malaria) or mammals (especially rats) It has been a cause of decline.
There is no evidence that nest poaching is widespread.
unregistered.
- New Caledonian Parakeet, New Caledonian Parrot, New Caledonian Red-crowned Parakeet, Red-crowned Parakeet (inglés).
- Perruche à front rouge, Perruche calédonienne, Perruche de Nouvelle-Calédonie (francés).
- Cyanoramphus saisseti (alemán).
- Periquito-da-nova-caledônia (portugués).
- Perico de Nueva Caledonia (español).
- Orden: Psittaciformes
- Familia: Psittaculidae
- Género: Cyanoramphus
- Nombre científico: Cyanoramphus saisseti
- Citación: Verreaux & Des Murs, 1860
- Protónimo: Cyanoramphus Saisseti
Sources:
• Avibase
• Parrots of the World – Forshaw Joseph M
• Parrots A Guide to the Parrots of the World – Tony Juniper & Mike Parr
• Birdlife
Photos:
(1) – Cyanoramphus saisseti, Park the blue river, New Caledonia by Mickaël T. [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
(2) – Cyanoramphus saisseti Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London 1882 (Web) by Joseph Smit [Public domain]
- Sounds: Patrik Aberg, XC40162. accessible www.xeno-canto.org/40162