The bald parrot or orange-headed parrot is a species of parrot in the family Psittacidae. It is endemic to the east-central Amazon of Brazil. Its natural habitat is tropical moist lowland forests. It is considered near threatened by BirdLife International due to the widespread deforestation of the Amazon.
Region
Eastern Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs in tropical moist lowland forests of the east-central Brazilian Amazon, mainly in terra firme forests with tall, continuous canopy. It forages high in the canopy and along forest edges and sometimes utilizes secondary growth near primary forest. The species is closely tied to fruiting trees and may make local movements following food. It avoids heavily deforested or highly fragmented landscapes.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the orange-headed parrot, it was described only in 2002 after being long confused with juvenile vulturine parrots. Its mostly bare, vividly orange head is unusual among parrots and may help with hygiene while feeding on sticky fruits and with heat dissipation in the humid lowland forest. It is highly dependent on intact Amazonian forest and is sensitive to fragmentation.
Temperament
wary and secretive
Flight Pattern
fast, direct flight with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small groups of 3–10, often moving quietly through the upper canopy. Pairs maintain close contact while foraging and may join mixed-species fruiting flocks. Nests are presumed to be in tree cavities like related Pyrilia species.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are mostly sharp, nasal screeches and chatter given in flight or from high perches. Contact calls are brief and somewhat buzzy; overall not a highly musical species.
Plumage
Compact green parrot with a striking largely featherless head; body plumage is bright to olive green with bluish tones on the wings and tail edges.
Diet
Primarily consumes a variety of rainforest fruits, including figs and other soft, pulpy species. Also takes seeds and occasionally flowers or buds. It may visit seasonally fruiting trees in small groups and can travel between feeding sites over the canopy.
Preferred Environment
Feeds high in the canopy of mature terra firme forest and along edges where fruiting trees are abundant. Will use secondary growth adjacent to primary forest when fruit is available.
