The parrots of New Zealand have undergone unique evolutionary changes due to the island’s long-term isolation. Without mammalian predators, these parrots thrived in a safe environment. However, this changed dramatically with the arrival of European settlers, who brought cats, dogs, and rats. The parrots then faced new threats, including predation, habitat loss, and excessive hunting. Today, New Zealand’s endemic parrots are protected to prevent them from going extinct. For example, the kākāpō population currently stands at only 248 individuals, a significant decline from when they were the third most common bird during the time of the Polynesian settlers.
List of Parrots Found in New Zealand
Endemic Species
These species are endemic to the various islands that make up the nation of New Zealand and are not seen elsewhere.
| Parrot | Where They Are Found |
|---|---|
| Kākāpō | Whenua Hou, Maud Island, Hauturu, and the Chalky and Anchor Islands in Fiordland |
| Kea | Alpine regions of South Island |
| New Zealand Kākā | Kapiti, Codfish, and Little Barrier Islands |
| Antipodes Parakeet | Antipodes Islands |
| Chatham Parakeet | Chatham Islands |
| Orange-fronted Parakeet | South Branch Hurunui River, Hawdon River, and Poulter valleys of South Island |
| Yellow-crowned Parakeet | Stewart, North, South, and Auckland Islands |
| Reischek’s Parakeet | Antipodes Island |
| Red-crowned Parakeet | Kapiti, Tiritiri Matangi, Matiu, Stewart, and Auckland Islands; also rarely in Northland, Coromandel, and central North and South Island |
Introduced Species
Most of these are parrots brought from Australia, either deliberately or accidentally. While the Galah and the Crimson Rosella only appear in small numbers, the Eastern Rosella and the Sulphur-crested Cockatoo have established populations in New Zealand.
| Parrots | Where They Are Found |
|---|---|
| Eastern Rosella | North Island |
| Sulphur-crested Cockatoo | North of Taupō, Taranaki and Wellington Regions, and Dunedin |
| Crimson Rosella | Wellington |
| Galah | Wellsford |
Extinct Species
Several New Zealand parrots have become extinct over the years, including the Chatham Island Kākā, which disappeared between 1550 and 1700 and has only been identified by fossilized remains, and the Norfolk Island Kākā, which disappeared by 1851.
- Chatham Island Kākā
- Norfolk Island Kākā
Interesting Facts
- Around 1992, there was an attempt to introduce the rainbow lorikeet in New Zealand. However, it soon proved to be heavily damaging to the environment and was quickly brought under control.
- An unidentified parrot used to live on Campbell Island. However, it went extinct before it could be appropriately classified.
