Newton's parakeet
Newton's parakeet, also known as the Rodrigues parakeet, was an extinct species of parrot endemic to the island of Rodrigues in the western Indian Ocean. Distinctive for its unusual greyish or slate blue plumage, a rarity in its predominantly green genus, it was also noted for its tame nature and ability to mimic speech. Its lineage is believed to be closely related to the rose-ringed parakeet, and it may have been ancestral to other Mascarene island parakeets.
Key Facts
- ›Endemic to the Mascarene island of Rodrigues.
- ›Unusual greyish or slate blue plumage, unlike most green Psittacula species.
- ›Approximately 40 cm (16 in) in length, similar to the rose-ringed parakeet.
- ›Known for being very tame and capable of mimicking speech.
- ›Likely fed on nuts and leaves, possibly from the bois D'olive tree.
- ›Became extinct due to deforestation, hunting, and severe storms.
Rodrigues Parakeet, Rodrigues Ring-Necked Parakeet
Indian Ocean
Forests, Island Ecosystems
Greyish Blue, Slate Blue, Green, Red, Black
Unusual Bluish-Grey Plumage For Its Genus, Black Collar From Chin To Nape
Nuts, Leaves, Seeds
Very Tame
Capable of Mimicking Speech
About Newton's parakeet
Newton's Parakeet: An Extinct Jewel of Rodrigues
Newton's parakeet (Psittacula exsul), also known as the Rodrigues parakeet, was a species of parrot that once inhabited the Mascarene island of Rodrigues in the western Indian Ocean. Its existence is now solely documented through historical accounts and the two preserved specimens that remain. The species is particularly notable for its unusual plumage, which was predominantly greyish or slate blue, a significant departure from the mostly green coloration found in other members of its genus, Psittacula.
Description and Characteristics
Measuring approximately 40 centimeters (16 inches) in length, Newton's parakeet was similar in size to the rose-ringed parakeet. A distinctive feature was a black collar extending from the chin to the nape, which was more pronounced in males. While the male specimen exhibited stronger colors, details of a mature male's appearance are uncertain, with the known male specimen believed to be immature. Reports from the 17th century suggest the possible occurrence of green color morphs, though definitive evidence is lacking. The bird possessed grey legs and yellow irises. Its diet likely included nuts from the bois d'olive tree and leaves, and it was described as being very tame and capable of mimicking human speech.
Taxonomy and Evolution
Genetic studies suggest that Newton's parakeet diverged from the lineage of the rose-ringed parakeet about 3.82 million years ago. It is considered to be closely related to the Alexandrine parakeet and may have been ancestral to the parakeets found on the nearby islands of Mauritius and Réunion. Due to its unique evolutionary path and isolation on Rodrigues, the species developed distinct osteological features compared to other Mascarene Psittacula species.
Decline and Extinction
Newton's parakeet was abundant during the late 17th and early 18th centuries, but its population began to decline significantly by the mid-18th century due to extensive deforestation and hunting. By the late 19th century, the species had become critically scarce. A series of severe cyclones and storms that struck Rodrigues in the late 1870s likely delivered the final blow, wiping out the remaining population. Although speculation about its survival persisted for decades, it is now confirmed to be extinct. The loss of Newton's parakeet represents another tragic example of the impact of human activities and environmental changes on island biodiversity.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common names for Newton's parakeet?
Newton's parakeet is also commonly known as the Rodrigues parakeet or Rodrigues ring-necked parakeet. Its scientific name is Psittacula exsul.
What was the distinctive plumage of Newton's parakeet?
Unlike most species in its genus, Newton's parakeet had plumage that was mostly greyish or slate blue. This coloration is unusual for the Psittacula genus, which typically features green species.
What did Newton's parakeet eat?
It is probable that Newton's parakeet fed on the nuts of the bois d'olive tree and leaves. Some accounts also suggest they consumed seeds from the bois de buis shrub.
What is known about Newton's parakeet's behavior?
Little is definitively known about its behavior in the wild. However, historical accounts describe it as being very tame and easy to catch, and it was able to mimic speech.
Why did Newton's parakeet go extinct?
The extinction of Newton's parakeet is attributed to a combination of factors, including extensive deforestation on Rodrigues, hunting by humans, and a series of severe cyclones and storms in the late 19th century.
Are there any living specimens of Newton's parakeet?
No living specimens of Newton's parakeet exist today. Only two preserved specimens, a male and a female, are known to survive, housed in the Cambridge University Museum.
Related Parrot species
Lord Derby's parakeet
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Guadeloupe amazon
The Guadeloupe amazon (Amazona violacea) is a hypothetical extinct species of parrot believed to have been native to Guadeloupe in the Lesser Antilles. Described by 17th and 18th-century writers, it was characterized by violet or slate-colored head and underparts, greenish back, and wings with green, yellow, and red. Its extinction is attributed to hunting by French settlers and habitat destruction.
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