Justification Chance introductions of carnivorous mammals to the tiny predator-free islands where this species lives could quickly impact it. It is therefore classified as Vulnerable.

Family/Sub-family Psittacidae

Species name author (Lear, 1831)

Taxonomic source(s) Sibley and Monroe (1990, 1993), Turbott (1990)

Identification 32 cm. Plump, almost all-green parrot. Green head, body with blue wing-coverts, and some flight feathers. Similar spp. Red-crowned Parakeet C. novaezelandiae has red crown, patch behind eye. Voice Wide range of chattering calls, lower-pitched than other Cyanoramphus species.

Population estimate

Population trend

Range estimate (breeding/resident)

Country endemic?

2,000 - 3,000

stable

23 km²

Yes

Range & population Cyanoramphus unicolor is endemic to the uninhabited and protected islands of the Antipodes, New Zealand. It is common on the main island (20 km²) and Bollons Island (0.5 km²), and occurs in small numbers on Leeward (0.1 km²), Inner Windward (0.1 km²) and Archway (0.1 km²) islets. In 1978, the population was estimated at 2,000-3,000 birds³. Population trends are unknown, but numbers are likely to be stable.

Ecology: It is found throughout the island habitats, but is most common in the tall, tussock grassland and sedges. These plants form the main part of the diet, supplemented with seeds, berries and flowers. It nests in underground burrows, often more than one metre long, in tussock or sedge³. In captivity, clutch-size is between five and six, but only one to three fledged young are generally seen with adults in the wild. Young probably start breeding at one year. Birds may be quite long-lived - two recaptures from Antipodes Island were at least 10 years old¹.

Threats Introduced mice may compete for food². Accidental introduction of predators such as rats Rattus spp., cats and mustelids Mustela spp. is a potential threat.

Conservation measures underway CITES Appendix II. The Antipodes Islands are nature reserves, and landing is strictly by permit only. In 1907, 12 birds were released on Kapiti Island. They survived for c.20 years, but are no longer extant³. The species is held widely in private aviaries, and adapts readily to captivity¹. A captive management plan is in place to safeguard the species².

Conservation measures proposed Commence regular monitoring⁴. Eradicate mice².

References 1. Heather and Robertson (1997). 2. A. D. Roberts in litt. (1999). 3. Taylor (1985). 4. B. Weeber in litt. (2000).

Text account compilers Phil Benstead (BirdLife International), Simon Mahood (BirdLife International), Rachel McClellan (BirdLife International)

Contributors A. D. Roberts, Barry Weeber (Forest and Bird)

IUCN Red List evaluators Stuart Butchart (BirdLife International), Simon Mahood (BirdLife International)

Recommended citation BirdLife International (2009) Species factsheet: Cyanoramphus unicolor. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 10/2/2010

This information is based upon, and updates, the information published in BirdLife International (2000) Threatened birds of the world. Barcelona and Cambridge, UK: Lynx Edicions and BirdLife International, BirdLife International (2004) Threatened birds of the world 2004 CD-ROM and BirdLife International (2008) Threatened birds of the world 2008 CD-ROM. These sources provide the information for species accounts for the birds on the IUCN Red List.

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