The Andean parakeet is a species of bird in subfamily Arinae of the family Psittacidae, the African and New World parrots. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru.
Region
Central Andes
Typical Environment
Occupies high-elevation Andean habitats including puna grasslands, shrublands, and edges of Polylepis or montane woodland. It also frequents agricultural terraces, fallow fields, and rocky slopes near human settlements. Birds are most often seen in small to medium flocks that move between feeding patches. Roosts and nest sites are commonly on cliffs, rocky outcrops, or earthen banks. Local upslope and downslope movements occur with food availability.
Altitude Range
2000–4200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This small, short-tailed parakeet inhabits high Andean slopes and puna grasslands of Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru. It is gregarious, often forming flocks that forage on seeds and buds in scrub and agricultural edges. Nesting is frequently colonial, using rock crevices or burrows in earthen banks. Its plain green plumage and pale bill help distinguish it from other Andean parrots.
Illustration by Keulemans, 1891
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
fast, direct flight with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually encountered in chattering flocks from a few individuals to several dozen. Breeds in loose colonies, using crevices in cliffs or burrows in earthen banks; pairs are monogamous. Outside the breeding season, flocks wander locally in response to food availability.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
High-pitched, twittering chatter given continuously in flight and at feeding sites. Contact calls are sharp and squeaky, while alarm notes are harsher and more insistent.
Plumage
Mostly plain green with slightly paler underparts and a short, square-tipped tail.
Diet
Feeds primarily on grass and weed seeds, buds, and small fruits. Also takes flowers and tender shoots, especially in scrubby patches and field margins. Foraging is often on or near the ground, and birds may clamber through low shrubs to reach seed heads.
Preferred Environment
Open highland grasslands, shrubby slopes, and agricultural edges where seed resources are abundant. Often forages near rocky outcrops or along ravines that also provide roosting and nesting sites.
