Formerly scattered through most of New Zealand; now confined to northern South I.
Rarity Status
Currently this species is not classified as a rarity in this country OR information has not been updated.
Population
Estimated population is 50 - 249 (2010) and decreasing.
Status CR
Introduced predators, principally stoat Mustela erminea and rats Rattus spp., is likely to be the primary threat.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Food
Seeds, fruits, leaves, flowers, buds and invertebrates.
Malherbe's Parakeet (Cyanoramphus malherbi) [XC344829]
by id from Port Underwood, Marlborough District, Marlborough, New Zealand (call)
Malherbe's Parakeet (Cyanoramphus malherbi) [XC236417]
by Dan Lane from Bealey, Selwyn District, Canterbury, New Zealand (call)
Subspecies
Cyanoramphus auriceps (Sibley and Monroe 1990, 1993) has been split into Yellow-fronted Parakeet (Cyanoramphus auriceps), Chatham Parakeet (Cyanoramphus forbesi) and Malherbe's Parakeet (Cyanoramphus malherbi) following Boon et al. (2000).
Since 1974 the view that this is a colour morph of Yellow-fronted Parakeet (Cyanoramphus auriceps) has gained wide acceptance, but very recent evidence suggests assortative mating among the few surviving wild birds, so specific status should perhaps be retained.
No subspecies.
Similar Species
Red-fronted Parakeet (Cyanoramphus novaezelandiae) which has crimson forecrown, Yellow-fronted Parakeet (Cyanoramphus auriceps) is yellow-green, has a crimson frontal band, bright yellow forecrown and red patch on sides of rump.
References
See References.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet