Echo Parakeet

Overview

The echo parakeet (Psittacula eques) is a species of parrot endemic to the Mascarene Islands of Mauritius and formerly Réunion. It is the only living native parrot of the Mascarene Islands, as all others have become extinct due to human activity. The species is currently classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Length of 34–42 cm with a wingspan of 49–54 cm and a weight of 167–193 g.
• Generally green plumage with two neck collars; males have black and pink collars with a red upper bill, while females have green and indistinct black collars with a black upper bill.
• Orange skin around the eyes and grey feet, with juveniles having red-orange bills that turn black after fledging.
• Wide range of vocalisations, most commonly sounding like "chaa-chaa, chaa-chaa".

Habitat

Restricted to forests with native vegetation, largely found in the Black River Gorges National Park in the southwest of Mauritius. The bird is arboreal and keeps to the canopy, where it feeds and rests, nesting in natural cavities in old trees.

Diet

Mainly feeds on the fruits and leaves of native plants, though it has been observed to feed on introduced plants as well.

Did you know?

In the 1980s, the echo parakeet was referred to as "the world's rarest parrot" after its population declined to as few as eight to 12 individuals.