Eunymphicus cornutus
The Horned Parakeet (*Eunymphicus cornutus*), a striking member of the Old World parrot family Psittaculidae, is instantly recognizable by its unique cranial ornamentation. Averaging about 32 cm (12.5 inches) in length and weighing 50-70 grams, this medium-sized parakeet boasts a predominantly emerald-green plumage, accented by a bright yellow nape and a dark, almost black, face. Its most distinctive field mark, and the source of its name, is a pair of elongated, forward-curving black feather...
Primarily found in subtropical and tropical moist lowland and montane forests, but also adapts to degraded forest patches and plantations, from sea level up to approximately 1500m.
Mainly consumes seeds (especially from native Araucaria trees), fruits, nuts, berries, flowers, and buds; occasionally includes insects or larvae.
Horned Parakeets are diurnal birds, typically observed singly, in pairs, or small family groups of up to 7-8 individuals, foraging quietly and often inconspicuously in the forest canopy. Their foraging strategy is entirely arboreal, involving agile movements through trees to access a diverse diet...
The Horned Parakeet is strictly endemic to Grande Terre, the main island of New Caledonia, and historically some smaller adjacent islands like the Isle of Pines. Its current distribution on Grande Terre is somewhat fragmented, primarily found in the central and southern forested regions, includin...
Vulnerable
- The Horned Parakeet is one of only two species in the genus *Eunymphicus*, both endemic to New Caledonia. - Its distinctive "horns" are actually specialized, elongated black feathers with bright red tips, a unique form of crest among parrots. - These parakeets play a role in seed dispersal for ...