Horned Parakeet - Eunymphicus cornutus

Horned Parakeet

Eunymphicus cornutus

Order : Psittaciformes

Family : Psittacidae ;

Biometrics :

Size : 32 cm
Wingspan :
Weight : 140 gr

IUCN conservation status :

Extinct

Threatened

Least
concern

Extinc
in the Wild

Near
threatened

Not
evaluated

EX EW CR EN VU NT LC NE

Geographic range :

Synonyms : Perico Maorí Cornudo (es), Parrocchetto cornuto (it), Hornsittich (al), Hoornparkiet (nl), Horned Parakeet (en)

Family description :
Psittacidae is a large family, including several races of parrots of different sizes and colours, but with almost similar behaviour throughout their wide range. We find two main kinds of birds, the Cockatoos and the Parrots. The Cockatoos are large to medium-sized, with strong bill and conspicuo... to be continued

Physical description :
The LPF keeps and breeds this species and the closely related Eunymphicus uvaeensis in its breeding centre. These are both endangered species, and the Loro Parque Fundación supports a project (of Dr Jörn Theuerkauf and Sophie Rouys) in New Caledonia to conserve the endemic E. cornutus and New Caledonia Parakeet Cyanoramphus saisetti. (Text by LPF)

Horned Parakeet adult male has green mantle and central rectrices. On the wings, the outer webs of primaries are violet-blue. The outer tail feathers are washed violet-blue. The rump is greenish yellow.
The underparts are greenish yellow. Underwing coverts are greenish, whereas the flight feathers and the undertail feathers are grey.
On the head, forehead and fore crown are red and show two elongated black feathers with red tips. Rear crown, nape and ear coverts are yellow. Face, lores and chin are black.
The hooked bill is pale grey-blue, tipped black. Eyes are orange-red, surrounded by bare, black eye-ring. Legs and feet are dark grey.
Both sexes are similar. Juvenile resembles adults, but its plumage is duller.

Horned Parakeet has two subspecies:
E.c. cornutus
E.c. uvaeensis has green ear coverts and nape, only red central forehead, and blackish-green face. It shows different crest with six elongated green feathers.

Voice : Horned Parakeet's contact call is a nasal "kho-khoot", also heard in flight. When perched, it produces a strange chuckling. Alarm call is a series of shrieks. It is very noisy when flying above the treetops.

Habitat : Horned Parakeet frequents humid forest and wooded areas, except the coconut plantations and the coastal areas. We can find it in secondary growths and wooded savannahs. It can be seen up to 1200 metres of elevation.

Geographic range : Horned Parakeet lives in New Caledonia and nearly Ouvéa, in Loyalty Islands. (Subspecies E.c. uvaeensis)

Behaviour : Horned Parakeet feeds mainly on fruits, berries and seeds. These parakeets are often seen in pairs or family groups.
If the food resources are abundant at fruiting trees, we can find flocks of up to 20 birds feeding together. They forage mainly in the morning and in the late afternoon, in the canopy of the forest or at mid-level.
When disturbed, the Horned Parakeet flies off and then, alights at about 100 metres at the top of a tall tree. If the threat persists, it flies off silently.
Horned Parakeet is sedentary in its range, with some movements, probably for food.

Flight : Horned Parakeet performs swift flight, slightly undulating.

Reproduction-nesting : Breeding season occurs between September and March.
Horned Parakeet nests in holes in dead or alive trees. But sometimes, nests are found on the ground, under rocks or in fallen tree-trunks. But usually, it is mainly a cavity nester.
Female lays 2 to 4 white eggs. Usually, two young are reared. Incubation lasts about three weeks. The chicks remain at nest during 5 to 6 weeks.

Food habits : Horned Parakeet feeds mainly on fruits, berries, seeds and nuts. It also may consume flowers and bark of some plants.
It feeds from several plants species, as wild or cultivated.

Protection / threats : Horned Parakeet is classified as Vulnerable.
This species is threatened by the clearing of land and the heavy trapping of nestlings at nest for illegal pet trade. In addition, this species lives in restricted range.
The nominate race cornatus has declined, due to habitat loss, pet trade and introduced mammals. The race uvaeensis is Endangered, due to pet trade.

Other links :
Iucn
Birdlife

Specification sheet created by Nicole Bouglouan

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