Red-crowned Kakariki

(Cyanoramphus novaezelandiae)
Also known as Kakariki.

Live: New Zealand.

Habitat:Now scarce on the main islands where they are restricted forest, scrub and open areas. Greatly reduced in numbers due to introduced predators, hunting and habitat los. 

Diet:: In the wild: Seeds, nectar, berries, fruit, buds, flowers, shoots, invertebrates.
Zoo diet: Seed mix, fruit & vegetables, weekly.
Enclosure cleaned weekly.

Breeding: Season dependent on the supply of food and can extend over most of the year. Most eggs are laid between October and December.
Nest: Often in a hollow tree branch or a hole in a decaying tree, usually lined with only powdered wood, although sometimes feathers or dry plant material are used. Nests may be reused. May also nest in other available holes, e.g. burrows

Conservation status: Endemic and protected.

General: Size to 28cm. Female slightly smaller than male.
Distinguishing features: Emerald green, with blue on flight feathers. A wide crimson forehead and stripe from beak to behind the eye. Red eyes. Pale blue-grey beak with black tip Grey-brown legs and feet.

More common on offshore islands. Once common enough to be considered a threat to crops.

Calls: A large range of calls and soft chattering.

Habits: Will form flocks at abundant food or water sources.

Eggs: 5-9 broadly elliptical, white, laid over 1-2 days. Incubated by the female for around 20 days.
Chicks: Light grey down, pink-grey legs. Eyes open at 10 days. Fledge at 5-6 weeks and are fed for another week by their parents.