🐦 FlyingCare difficulty: AdvancedLegal complexity: High — restricted in many states
Echo parakeet
Psittacula eques
The echo parakeet is Mauritius's only surviving native parrot and was once among the rarest in the world, reduced to a few individuals before an intensive recovery program. It remains a conservation-dependent species and a celebrated success story of pulling a parrot back from the brink.
Educational only. KinStation content is reviewed by licensed veterinarians but cannot replace an in-person exam. Always consult a licensed veterinarian or board-certified specialist for diagnosis, treatment, or any decision affecting your pet's health.
🩺 Need expert help with your echo parakeet?
Connect with a specialist near you or ask a licensed vet — never substitute online guidance for hands-on care in an emergency.
Quick facts
| Size | Medium parakeet ~34-42 cm, green plumage. |
| Lifespan | 15–30 years |
| Native region | Mauritius (Indian Ocean) |
| Climate | 🌴 Tropical |
| Genus | Psittacula |
Habitat & enclosure
A bird of native upland forest on Mauritius, which has been heavily cleared and degraded; it nests in tree cavities that are scarce and contested with introduced species. It is a strictly protected wild species managed by conservation authorities, not a companion bird.
Diet
Feeds on native fruits, seeds, buds, and flowers; supplementary feeding stations have been used during recovery to support the population. This is a conservation/education profile rather than husbandry guidance.
Behavior & temperament
Recovery relied on nest-box provision, predator control, disease management, and supplemental feeding, lifting the species from roughly a dozen birds to several hundred. It illustrates how hands-on island parrot conservation can reverse near-extinction.
Reviewed and signed off by: KinStation Editorial — conservation profile (pending DVM/biologist review)