Question

Why do scientists conclude that the yellow crowned parakeet & the red crowned parakeet belong to ‘different species though both are parakeets?

Answer 1

The yellow-crowned parakeet (Cyanoramphus auriceps) is a species of parakeet endemic to the islands of New Zealand. The species is found across the main three islands of New Zealand, North Island, South Island and Stewart Island/Rakiura, as well as on the subantarctic Auckland Islands. It has declined due to predation from introduced speciessuch as stoats, although unlike the red-crowned parakeet, it has not been extirpated from the mainland of New Zealand. Its Māoriname is kākāriki.

Answer 2

Answer:

• There are two common families of Kakariki and a single member of a third, though it is debatable whether this third is a true species.
• The families are, of course, the Yellow Crowned and Red Crowned, with the Orange Fronted being the third.
• The Yellow Crowned and Orange Fronted are significantly shorter than the Red, measuring around 23cms versus 28cms.
• Each has a different coloured area on the head, as the names suggest. The Red Crowned is distinguished by a "red crown" with a red band 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 the head and a red frontal band above the cere.
• The New Zealand Yellow Crown (Cyanoramphus auriceps auriceps) This species can be found in remote areas on the North, South, and Stewart Islands, as well as the Auckland Islands, which are 400 kilometres south of Stewart Island.
• It prefers taller, unbroken forest and scrub, as opposed to its cousin, the Red Crowned, which prefers less dense areas or open spaces.
• The common Red Crown (Cvanoramphus nouaezelandiae nouaezelandiae) This Red Crowned Kakariki subspecies can be found in both the North and South Islands of New Zealand, as well as Stewart and Auckland Islands.
• It prefers to forage on the ground and prefers to live in relatively open spaces in and around forest areas. It also prefers lower altitudes than other species.

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