Red-crowned Parakeet
Cyanoramphus novaezelandiae
The Kākāriki is New Zealand's most iconic forest parrot, sporting brilliant emerald feathers and a signature crimson crown. Once nearly lost to the mainland, these chatty, spirited birds are making a legendary comeback in backyards across the country.
Quick Identification
Size
27-28 cm (10.6-11 in) in length with a weight range of 50-113 g (1.8-4 oz)
Colors
Bright emerald green body with a distinctive crimson red forehead, crown, and a horizontal streak behind the eye; violet-blue outer wing feathers.
Key Features
- Vibrant crimson crown and forehead
- Small red streak extending behind the eye
- Bright emerald green plumage
- Blue-violet flight feathers visible in wing
- Chattering, melodic call
When You’ll See Them
Geographic range
Where Does the Red-crowned Parakeet Live?
Native to the island nation of New Zealand in the southwestern Pacific, the Red-crowned Parakeet was once common across the entire mainland. Due to the introduction of invasive predators, their primary strongholds are now found on offshore islands such as Kapiti, Little Barrier, and the Kermadec Islands. However, thanks to intensive conservation and reintroduction efforts, they are becoming a common sight again in mainland sanctuaries and the surrounding suburbs of Wellington and Auckland.
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Behavior
The Red-crowned Parakeet, or Kākāriki, is an exceptionally energetic and inquisitive parrot. Unlike many other parrot species that stay high in the canopy, Kākāriki are remarkably versatile and spend a significant amount of time foraging on the forest floor, scratching through leaf litter like chickens. They are highly social, often seen in pairs or small, noisy groups, and are known for their rapid, jerky flight patterns accompanied by a distinctive 'ki-ki-ki-ki' chatter.
These birds are known for their intelligence and adaptability. In areas where they have frequent contact with humans, particularly in island sanctuaries or near urban fringes in Wellington, they can become quite bold. They are most active during the early morning and late afternoon, spending the heat of the day resting in dense foliage to avoid aerial predators.
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Camera Tips
To capture high-quality footage of Red-crowned Parakeets, your best bet is to focus on water. These parakeets are frequent bathers and will visit a shallow birdbath multiple times a day. Place your AI-powered camera approximately 1 meter away from a birdbath, positioned at the same height as the water level for the most intimate, eye-level shots.
If you are setting up in a backyard, planting native species like Kōwhai, Harakeke (New Zealand flax), or Coprosma will act as a natural lure. Kākāriki are particularly attracted to the nectar and seeds of these plants. Position your camera to face these food sources, but ensure the background isn't too cluttered so the camera's motion sensors can easily differentiate the bird's movement from swaying branches.
Because Kākāriki often forage on the ground, ground-level camera traps can be very effective. If you have a safe, predator-free area in your garden, place the camera 15-20 cm off the ground near a patch of tall grass or leaf litter. Use a fast shutter speed or high frame rate setting if available, as their movements are incredibly quick and can appear blurry on standard settings.
Early morning light provides the best illumination for their vibrant green feathers. If your camera allows for schedule-based recording, prioritize the three hours after sunrise. During the nesting season (October to March), you may see increased activity as parents forage more intensely to feed their chicks.
Similar Species
Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Red-crowned Parakeet.
Frequently Asked Questions
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