Eunymphicus uvaeensis
The Ouvéa Parakeet (*Eunymphicus uvaeensis*) is a striking medium-sized parrot, measuring approximately 32 cm (12.6 inches) in length and weighing around 100-120 grams. Its plumage is predominantly emerald green, adorned with a distinctive bright yellow crest that sweeps forward, tipped with deep blue at the ends of a few central feathers. A vibrant red patch graces its forehead, contrasting sharply with its pale yellow-orange iris and a dark bill. This elegant parakeet is taxonomically class...
This parakeet exclusively inhabits the mature coastal forests and degraded dry forests of Ouvéa Island, New Caledonia, preferring areas with larger trees for nesting and foraging. It can be found from sea level up to the island's modest highest points, adapting to both pristine and disturbed wood...
The Ouvéa Parakeet's diet primarily consists of the seeds, fruits, and flowers of native trees and shrubs, occasionally supplemented with nectar. It forages arboreally, using its strong bill and agile feet to manipulate food items within the forest canopy.
Ouvéa Parakeets are diurnal, typically active from dawn to dusk, often seen foraging in the canopy or flying between forest patches. They usually move in pairs or small family groups, maintaining contact with harsh, somewhat metallic calls and softer chattering. Foraging involves meticulously ins...
The Ouvéa Parakeet is exclusively endemic to Ouvéa Island, one of the Loyalty Islands in the French territory of New Caledonia, located in the South Pacific. This species has an extremely restricted geographic distribution, with its entire global population confined to an area of less than 170 sq...
Critically Endangered
- The Ouvéa Parakeet is found only on the tiny Ouvéa Island, making it one of the most geographically restricted parrot species in the world. - Its distinctive forward-curving yellow crest, tipped with blue, is unique among parrots and helps distinguish it from its closest relatives. - It was onc...