The barred parakeet, also known as the lineolated parakeet or the Catherine parakeet, is a small psittaciforme bird found in the highland forests of tropical Latin America. Its plumage is mostly green, with multiple black or dark green stripes and bars and a pale, peach-colored bill. The darker stripes vary in prominence and intensity between the two subspecies. Several color mutations (morphs) are available in aviculture, as it has become a popular captive bird species.
Region
Mesoamerican Highlands and Northern Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern Mexico through Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and western Panama, and in the Andes from western Venezuela and Colombia south into Ecuador and Peru. It inhabits humid montane and cloud forests, forest edges, and secondary growth. Birds often use bamboo, epiphyte-laden trees, and thickets, keeping to dense cover. They may also frequent high-elevation shade coffee and other semi-open, wooded agroforestry landscapes.
Altitude Range
1500–3500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 4/5
Also called the lineolated or Catherine parakeet, it is known for its unusually quiet, gentle demeanor among parrots. It spends much time clambering through foliage rather than flying, which, along with its cryptic barring, helps it remain inconspicuous. Several color mutations exist in aviculture, but wild birds are predominantly green with dark barring.
A natural coloured pet linnie
Temperament
social and quiet
Flight Pattern
short, rapid wingbeats with undulating flight; often reluctant to fly long distances
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small groups, sometimes forming loose flocks where food is abundant. Strong pair bonds are typical, and birds roost communally in dense foliage. Nests are placed in tree cavities, with breeding timed to local wet seasons.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Soft twittering and gentle chirps, generally low in volume compared to many parrots. Contact calls are thin, sibilant notes given while moving through the canopy.
Plumage
Compact parakeet with predominantly green plumage finely barred and lined with darker green to blackish across the back, flanks, and rump; barring can be variable. Feathers appear neatly lined (lineolated) giving a textured, striped look.
Diet
Feeds mainly on seeds, fruits, berries, and various plant materials such as buds, flowers, and tender leaves. Will take grass seeds and small fruits of understory shrubs and epiphytes. Foraging is deliberate and quiet, with much gleaning while clambering along branches.
Preferred Environment
Typically forages in the mid- to upper canopy of humid montane forest and cloud forest edges. Also uses secondary growth, bamboo stands, and shade coffee where canopy cover remains. Occasionally descends to lower strata when fruiting shrubs are abundant.
