Friday May 31 marks World Parrot Day, an opportunity to reflect on the threats facing wild and captive parrots around the globe.

Did you know?

Once common and widespread on Lord Howe Island, the endemic Lord Howe Red-crowned Parakeet (Cyanoramphus novaezelandiae subflavescens) was medium-sized with a bright green head and crimson cap, grey bill, and red eyes. Its body was bright green with a blue edge around the wings, and yellowish-green underparts. The female was smaller. 

The parakeet came into conflict with early settlers due to the damage it caused to crops and gardens, and the species was sadly hunted and trapped to extinction by 1869.

Many subspecies of the Red-crowned Parakeet have declined since the 19th century, mostly from modification of habitat, hunting and poisoning, and the introduction of invasive predators. 

Both Australian subspecies, on Lord Howe and Macquarie Island, are now extinct, and the closely related Norfolk Island Green Parrot is the subject of ongoing recovery actions.

Friday May 31 marks World Parrot Day, an opportunity to reflect on the threats facing wild and captive parrots around the globe.

Conserving and restoring the Island’s habitat and biodiversity values is important now and into the future. Head here to learn about how LHIB are working to protect Lord Howe’s World Heritage values.