Red Crowned & Yellow Crowned Kakariki
INTRODUCTION
The Kakariki is undoubtedly New Zealand's most well known parrot especially in captivity. There are a number of species of Kakariki, translated from Maori as "small parrot", whose natural environment are the islands in and around New Zealand together with the mainland.
The Kakariki was a very common bird in all of its natural habitats until that dreaded mammal "homo-sapien" came along together with the predatory mammals associated with him.
Some of the specific details of each species and their habitats are as follows:
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
There are two common families of Kakariki and a single member of a third, although there is much controversy over whether this third one is a true species or not.
The families are, of course, the Yellow Crowned and Red Crowned with the third being the Orange Fronted.
The Yellow Crowned and Orange Fronted are significantly smaller than the Red's, being around 23cms in length compared to 28 cms.
As the names suggest, each has an appropriately coloured area on the head. The Red Crowned has a "red crown" with a band of red extending back beyond the eyes. The Yellow Crowned has a yellow patch on the head and a red frontal band above the cere whereas the Orange Fronted has a pale yellow patch on its head with an orange band above the cere. All other colouration of the 3 species is green with blue flashes on the wing tips and with both the Red and Yellow, they also have red patches around the rump with the Orange having orange present here.
The hens of all species are identical in colour but generally smaller and have a narrower head and beak. The young are also similarly coloured to the adults but paler.
SPECIES & NATURAL HABITATS
Details of the specific sub-species of the Kakariki are as follows:
Yellow Crowned (Cyanoramphus auriceps auriceps) the New Zealand Yellow Crown This species is found in remote locations on the North, South and Stewart Islands together with the Auckland Islands which are located some 400 kilometres south of Stewart Island. It prefers the taller, unbroken forest and scrub, unlike its cousin the Red Crowned which is more at home in the less dense areas or in open spaces.
Cyanoramphus auriceps forbesi) the Chatham Island Yellow Crown This species, which is critically endangered, is found on Little Mangere Island in the Chatham group, approximately 1000 kilometres east of Christchurch. It is slightly different to the New Zealand species in that the red frontal band does not extend to the eyes.
Orange Fronted (Cvanoramphus malherbi) This bird is found only at the top of the South Island of New Zealand and then in very small numbers. There is much controversy over whether this bird is a true species in its own right or a colour morph of the Yellow Crowned. I find it quite amazing that this hasn't been sorted out yet.
Some simple test mating of pure specimens and their progency, should prove it one way or the other. Birds bred which do not look pure in either Orange or Yellow would be hybrids and therefore prove that they were separate species. If all young resembled Yellow's, they would be splits and on subsequent breeding would result in some Orange's being bred depending on the genetics involved.
Red Crowned (Cvanoramphus nouaezelandiae nouaezelandiae) the common Red Crown This sub-species of the Red Crowned Kakariki is found in both the North and South Islands of New Zealand together with Stewart and Auckland Islands. It prefers to inhabit relatively open spaces in and around forest areas and frequently forages on the ground. It also prefers lower altitudes than the Yellow Crowned.
The Red Crowned was very common throughout New Zealand prior to the 1880's. However, as everyone knows, Kakariki's love fruit and seeding grasses and once man started growing crops the birds took an avid interest the result being many were shot and together with introduced cats, rats and stoats, the poor Kakariki numbers plummeted.
(Cvanoramphus nouaezelandiae cvanurus)the Kermadec Island Red Crown This species is found on Macauley Island in the Kermadec group, which is around 900 kilometres north-east of Auckland. The bird is similar to the NZ species except that the blue wing flashes are "bluer". It was also present on other islands in the group such as Raoul Island, but as for many other species, once man, and therefore rats and cats came along, they disappeared.
A census in 1980 of the Kermadec Red Crown estimated numbers to be in excess of 10,000 so its future seems relatively secure.
(Cvanoramphus nouaezelandiae chathamensis) the Chatham Island Red Crown This sub-species closely resembles the common New Zealand species except that the green on the face is brighter. It is reasonably abundant on the edges of the forests on the Chathams.
(Cvanoramphus nouaezelandiae hochstetteri) the Antipodes Island Red Crown This sub-species is slightly larger than the New Zealand species and is of a lighter, more yellowish colouration. It is found only on the Antipodes Island some 800 kilometres south-east of Dunedin and as the island is predator free at present, this sub-species is relatively common on the island.
(Cvanoramphus nouaezelandiae ervthrotis) the Macquarie Island Red Crown This species, now extinct, was similar to the Antipodes Red Crown in colour but slightly bigger. It, no doubt suffered the same fate as many other birds in the deep south when whale and seal hunters occupied the islands of the sub-Antarctic, and introduced cats and rats to previously predator free islands.
It is estimated that the last bird died on this remote island, located around 1300 kilometres south-west of Stewart Island, around 1894.
(Cvanoranlphus nouaezelandiae cookii)the Norfolk Island Red Crown This species is very similar to the New Zealand Red Crown but larger. It is rare on the island, which is around l100 kilometres north-west of Auckland, with no more than 30 observed in the wild in 1978. Again, cats and rats are responsible for its decline.
(Cvanoranlphus nouaezelandiae subflauicans) the Lord Howe Island Red Crown The second of the species to acquire the "distinction" of becoming extinct, was located on Lord Howe Island, around 700 kilometres northeast of Sydney. It was paler than the New Zealand species with a smaller "red crown". It is'considered, that its extinction was principally caused by man exterminating them because of their love for the fruit on orchard trees.
Extinction was estimated to have occurred around 1870.
(Cvanoranlphus nouaezelandiae saisetti) the New Caledonian Red Crown The last of the sub-species is another with paler green colouration than the New Zealand species except that the red is somewhat brighter. It is reasonably common on the island which is around 2000 kilometres northwest of Auckland.
They spend as much time on the ground as they do in the trees. They have long feet and toes and love to scratch about on the ground like chickens. Their feathers are also elongated and fluffy to help protect them from the cold (New Zealand is right above Antarctica).
Compare kakariki feathers with those from other species, the down is concentrated near the skin and the tips are dense when compared with those of other species. Elongated feathers can be erected to trap heat near the body (ever notice how your arm hairs will stand erect when you're cold?). Unfortunately these adaptations can work against them in captivity. Kaks can overheat easily.
Noise
Kaks have a very pleasant "wa wa wa" sound and males can be talented talkers.
Lifespan
I've read 10 years but I suspect they can live at least 25.
Sexing
Kaks are dimorphic so there's no need for DNA or surgical sexing as long as you know what to look for. It's pretty obvious. Males are about 15 grams heavier than females and also have bigger heads and wider beaks. The females look very thin and dainty. Most males also seem to have a brighter shade of red than hens. Chicks can be sexed by the width of their beaks when their pinfeathers are just beginning to open. Use the following pictures as a guide to sexing your kaks.
Weaknesses
Kaks may be susceptible to aspergillosis infections. With the exception of one, every adult kak I've lost died of this. I've never had a case of aspergillosis in any of my other species. However, I have yet to confirm this problem with other kak breeders. It may be something isolated to my aviary.
Baldness is common in kaks, particularly hens. Not all birds seem to have this problem. The feathers usually grow in during a molt and the bird will look perfect for a week or so, but then the feathers will drop out again. The cause may be genetic (kaks aren't very common in the U.S. and many have been inbred) or overzealous preening on the part of the male. Kaks seem to drop feathers quite easily, so I can see how a little rough preening would knock quite a few out. My hens look really ratty in the breeding season.
Many of you have reported seizures or strange trances in your pet kaks, and have asked me if this is normal. This year was the first time I'd ever experienced it in my own flock. I placed my male yellow-fronted kak in a brown paper bag so that I could weigh him. When I took him out, he lay on the ground and appeared to be dying. I immediately rushed him to the vet, certain that he would be dead when we arrived. Instead he slowly started acting normal again- first he stood up and wobbled around, and soon he was hopping about the cage. By the time my vet saw him, he was acting normally. My vet (an excellent avian vet, by the way) told me that some species go into weird trances or even have seizures when certain procedures are done. She said that it really freaks out the owners, but it is perfectly normal. I can't remember all the species she mentioned, but she said Meyers parrots would go into seizures when their nails were trimmed. Odd and frightening, but they always snapped out of it eventually. Like I said, I've gotten numerous letters about seizures, trances and stumbling in kaks, so it appears that they may be one of the species that reacts like this.
Husbandry
Kaks are very busy birds who want to be everywhere at once. They're the only psittacine I feel sorry clipping wings for. Breeders should definately be kept in an flight and pets should belet out as often as possible. Since kaks are so curious you should make triple-sure that there are no hazards in or around the cage. And be wary of escapes! I've seen my kaks perform somersaults in the air to avoid a net. Feed cups should be covered. These guys will flick food everywhere with their scratching behavior. Also, kaks do enjoy running around upside down on the ceiling so I'd advise at least part of the cage ceiling be wire.
Breeding
The first thing you need to make certain of is that your birds are not hybrids. Red-fronts only have red and it's found on the crown, back past the eye, as a sort of stripe leading to eye and as a spot behind the eye. Yellow-crowns do not have the stripe or the spot near the eye, but have a small patch of red just above the cere and a yellow patch extending past over the eye. Hybrids look like yellow-crowns with a more orange color and sometimes a partial spot or stripe.
Kaks can be bred similarly to cockatiels and Aussie parakeets. I'd advise only keeping one pair per aviary due to their curious nature. If offered multiple nestboxes they will start a clutch in one box and when the first clutch gets older the hen may start a new clutch in the second box while the male finishes raising the first. They are very prolific for their size (females about 55 grams and males about 75), laying 8-12 eggs. Often the hen cannot properly incubate such a large clutch and some may have to be taken out. Babies quickly begin to look like parents so banding is a good idea (banding is a good idea anyway). For a week or so after fledging their beaks will be beige but then will turn the typical silver tipped with black.
Personality/Behavior
They're a lot like big budgies- very animated, playful and chatty, but not too pettable. I've handfed both budgies and kaks. It's a joke. They want to be fed but they're too hyper to sit still and feed. They want to over there or doing at that. It's a miracle to get their crops completely full. Kaks make very entertaining pets if you can handle a bird that will get into everything.
Natural Diet
All of the species of Kakariki feed on berries, seeds and fruit and all love foraging on the ground like a chicken, looking for insects and bugs.
Some of the sub-species have also acquired local tastes - the Norfolk Island Red has developed a taste for the cones of the Norfolk Pine whereas the
Kermadec Island Red has been observed pecking at dead goats and small crustaceans.
Breeding in the Wild
None of the species are gregarious in nature in that they are seldom seen in colonies other than small family groups.
They generally nest in hollow tree branches with the exception of the subAntarctic species which nest on the ground under tussock grass (or in the case of the Macquarie Island Red, used to nest on the ground! Nests are often lined with moss, powdered wood, feathers, or grass stems with nesting occurring from October through to December.
The incubating is carried out by the hen with the 5-9 eggs taking around 20 days to hatch. Both birds assist with the feeding of the young.
The kakariki in captivity
Both the Red and Yellow Crowned Kakariki are common parrots in captivity in New Zealand although nearly all are the nominate races which are endemic to the main islands.
They are probably the most active of all parrots, seldom staying still, never moving slowly and often seen running up and down the wire of the aviary without using their beaks.
The Kakariki is a delight in anyones collection as they are always friendly and confiding towards humans and with their mobility, are always the centre of attention for visitors.Because of their mobility, they should never be kept in a small aviary as a minimum, the aviary should measure 3.6 metres long x 0.9 metres wide x 1.8 metres high. Wooden construction is satisfactory as they are not great wood chewers however, as they like foraging on the ground, they should either have a natural floor (either earth or sand) or if concrete, a regular supply of freshly dug earth should be given to them.
Pairs should be kept in individual flights for breeding purposes as the cocks will go for each other and they can kill.
A safety door to your Kakariki flights is also a good idea - because of their curiousity, speed and lack of fear of man, they can easily slip between you and that slightly open door to freedom.
In captivity, the Kakariki is a short lived bird compared to other species of parrot - some will last only 5 years.
Despite their love of foraging on the ground, the Kakariki is remarkably resistant to intestinal worms but one should not be complacent about this dose them whenever the rest of your collection is done.
The only real problem to be aware of with the Kakariki, is the dreaded scaly-face mite which simply loves this bird. It can be treated effectively with most sheep drenches or Dettol.
Feeding in captivity
The Kakariki is an easy parrot to cater for as far as food is concerned. They like a mixed seed diet but go easy on the sunflower as, like many other species, they can pig out on it and become too fat.
Always provide them an ample supply of green food together with fruit such as apple, berries, pears and grapes and as mentioned earlier, earth should be available for them to forage in.
The depth of the seed container must be such that seed doesn't spill over the sides - Kakariki's love to play at "dogging" their food and if the wrong shaped container is used, all of the contents will be on the floor in no time.
Kakariki's also enjoy mealworms, soaked seed and other soft food which should be made available to them especially during breeding season.
Breeding in captivity
The Kakariki is one of the easiest parrots to breed in captivity.
By way of example, in 1958 a census was taken which revealed that 103 Red Crowns were kept in captivity.
Only 6 years later, the number had risen to 2500 - the majority from breeding and not from newly acquired wild specimens.
Both Yellows and Reds will breed at less than one year of age if allowed to although this is not a good idea.
They will breed in almost any type of box but the recommended dimensions are 250mm x 250mm base by 300mm high.
The hen will show interest in the box probably before you have had a chance to leave the aviary and a clutch often results within a fortnight.
Clutches vary in size from 5-9 eggs and it is not uncommon for 6+ chicks to be reared so you must ensure that the supply of soft food is kept up. The chicks also grow rapidly and if there is a shortage of food, the youngest suffer, usually terminally.
The eggs usually hatch after 20 days of incubation with the young leaving the nest at around 35-40 days.
Both parents feed the young however, care must be taken with the young cocks and if the adult male gets too aggressive, remove him and let the hen finish off the feeding routine.
Both species will double brood and sometimes triple brood if allowed to.
The two species will hybridize, but being a purist, I deplore such deliberate breeding as it is doing nothing but satisfy someone's distorted ego to see what they will get, and do absolutely nothing for the species.
To my way of thinking, hybridizing is a last resort to ensure that a species is not lost - subsequent cross breeding to get back to pure takes many generations. In mathematical terms:
first breeding (pure of I x pure of other) = young 50% pure second breeding (young from (a) back to a pure) = young 75% pure third breeding (young from ~b) back to a pure) = young 88% pure fourth breeding (young from (c) back to a pure) = young 94% pure fifth breeding (young from (d) back to a pure) = young 97% probably close enough to pure.COLOUR MUTATIONS As opposed to my views on hybridization, breeding colour mutations is a completely different scenario as long as the birds are genetically pure for the base bird and not hybridized to get the new colour from one species to another.
Colour breeding has been a part of parrot breeding ever since the first mutation was observed.
I know of no colour mutations in New Zealand of either the Red or Yellow Crowned Kakariki, however, overseas four are recorded - 3 of the Red and one of the Yellow.
They include:
. Cinnamon and Lutino Red Crowned
- both sex-linked and probably allelemorphs
. Pied Red Crowned - reported to be autosomal dominant
. Pied Yellow Crowned - reported to be autosomal recessive
“He came in flocks in the seventies; he was a scourge in the eighties; he was shot in thousands for his destruction of grain and fruit; then gradually he seemed to disappear; and now he is rarely heard near civilised parts.” Such were the words of a commentator early last century on the poignant fate of the “pretty little parrot”, the Kakariki.
In the seventies and eighties of the last century the yellow-crowned parakeet together with the red were extremely common but when for any reason its food failed in the forests, such as cold and wet weather or severe frosts, it came out into settled districts and attacked farmers’ and orchardists’ crops.
That food failure was the cause of these irruptions or influxes is indicated, according to the ornithologist, W. R. Oliver, by the fact that in some districts at the same time there was also an invasion of rats. In 1888, he says, there was an irruption of red-crowned parakeets accompanied by smaller numbers of yellow-crowned in Marlborough. On such occasions the parakeets showed no fear of man who tried to lessen the damage done by the birds by shooting them. The parakeets, as the story goes, were not much frightened by the sound of guns and flew just a short distance away and continued foraging. Many thousands were shot.
Two severe irruptions took place in Canterbury in the eighties when it was thought that the birds came from Westland driven out by the failure of food supply on account of wet and cold weather. They were considered among the worst pests in the Hutt Valley in the early days of European settlement and made serious inroads into the hop gardens of Nelson and the wheat crops of Otago. After fifteen years or more of these visitations the number of parakeets decreased considerably and they did not again recover.
There can be no doubt, as Oliver says, that the destruction of the bush, especially the felling of the broad leafed trees, the Kakariki’s favourite haunts, the attacks of mustelids and rats which can get into its nesting holes, the increase of bees in hollow trees, shooting by farmers, trapping by fruit growers, are all reasons for the near demise of this lovely bird.
The Kakariki are members of the parrot family which are mainly tropical birds notable for their colourful plumage. There are two main species, the yellow and red-crown. The red-crown tends to be larger than the yellow.
The Kakariki are basically bright green in colour but as with most green coloured birds, some very beautiful colour varieties are produced. The red-crowned Kakariki is distinguished by a bright crimson forehead, crown and a streak through the eye with violet-blue on the wings while the yellow-crowned has a golden yellow crown. Sometimes specimens have been found where the green gives way to a bright canary yellow while the bright red and violet remain. There have been other specimens taken which are bright red or predominately blue.
Red-crowned parakeets favour holes in branches and trunks of trees, particularly decaying trees, for nesting. They also use crevices in cliffs or among rocks, burrows in the ground or densely matted vegetation. The yellow-crowned, on the other hand, is more exclusive in its use of holes in trees for nesting.
During incubation, the male calls the female off the nest and feeds her by regurgitation. Both sexes feed the chicks but the male usually transfers the food to the hen which then passes it along to the chicks. The red-crowned fledglings are fed on the ground for a period before they can fly which makes them especially vulnerable to predators.
Kakariki are usually solitary or found in pairs, although in autumn and winter they may form small flocks. In flight they make a loud rapid chatter and may also chatter and babble when feeding.
The yellow-crowned, although rare, is to be found throughout the country in forested areas while the red-crowned variety is common to abundant on many islands free of mammalian predators but very rare on the mainland. On Little Barrier Island, the yellow-crowned lives mainly in the forest or ridges above 300 metres while the red-crowned lives mainly in the lower hills and valleys. Although their habitat on the island overlaps, hybridisation does not seem to occur.
There are apparently now more Kakariki to be found in captivity than in the wild for like most of the parrot family they breed very successfully in captivity. There are two subspecies, auriceps, on the New Zealand mainland, offshore islands and at Auckland Islands; and Forbes parakeet, forbesi on the Chatham Islands.
Conclusion
The Kakariki is one parrot that most New Zealanders experience and seldom do you hear of anyone saying they do not like having them in their collections.
They are often called the "gems" of a collection.
As they breed freely, their survivability is guaranteed. Several releases of captive bred birds into the wild have occurred successfully - on Tiri Tiri and Cuvier Islands in the Hauraki Gulf and in the Waitakere Ranges west of Auckland and in the Wairarapa.
If you are one of the few breeders who have not kept and bred the humble Kakariki, give them a go - you will not be disappointed.
References
" Atlas of Parrots" Dr David Alderton : TFH "Parrots of the World" Joseph M. Forshaw : Landsdowne "Australian Parrots" Ian Harman : Inkata Press "Parrots : Their Care & Breeding" Rosemary Low : TM " Complete Book of NZ Birds" Readers Digest : Readers Digest
