The Echo Parakeet :

In Mauritius, the name given to the Echo Parakeet, « Cateau Vert » refers also to a lagoon fish, commonly named parrotfish. This species is also brightly coloured in shades green. The Echo Parakeet is native from Africa, and it probably ended up in Mauritius after travelling in a ship hold docked in the Vieux Grand Port.

It is commonly seen over a captain’s shoulder, like Long John Silver. This bird most likely escaped a ship hold and settled in the French islands’ forests during the 19th century. The Echo Parakeet has bright green plumage and a red beak. He uses his plumage to camouflage in the branches.

This animal spends most of its time in dense, mature stands of trees, where he can easily blend in. In spite of his ability to camouflage, when the Dutch started the colonisation of the island, this parakeet was almost extinct. His natural appeal towards humans made him particularly vulnerable.

Today, along with clearing of virgin forest and nest predation by monkeys, there are only a few dozens left. The Echo Parakeet’s behaviour, as revealed by taxidermists, consists in active daytime where the bird searches for seeds he can easily break with his powerful beak. As for coupling, the female does all the nesting and the young are initially fed by the male.