The black-capped parakeet, also known as the black-capped conure or rock conure in aviculture, is a parrot native to the south-western Amazon Basin and adjacent east Andean slopes in Peru, Bolivia and Brazil. It has a total length of approximately 25 cm. It is mostly green with off white scalloping on the hindneck and breast and red primary coverts.
Region
Southwestern Amazon Basin and east Andean foothills
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid tropical lowland and foothill forests of Peru, northern Bolivia, and adjacent western Brazil. It favors terra firme and várzea forest edges, secondary growth, bamboo thickets, and clearings with scattered trees. Often seen along river corridors and in tall gallery forest. Uses cavities in large trees for roosting and nesting and readily visits fruiting trees in disturbed habitats.
Altitude Range
200–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 3/5
Also called the black-capped conure or rock conure, this small parrot is popular in aviculture for its relatively quiet demeanor compared to other conures. It forms tight-knit flocks that forage together and roost communally in tree cavities. The species often frequents forest edges and secondary growth where fruiting trees are abundant.
Black capped parakeet grooming breast feathers
A green-cheeked/black-capped parakeet hybrid.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with swift, direct flight
Social Behavior
Usually travels in small flocks or family groups, sometimes gathering in larger parties at fruiting trees. Nests and roosts in tree cavities and is likely seasonally monogamous. Pairs maintain close contact calls while foraging and exhibit cooperative vigilance.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are sharp, high-pitched chattering notes and squeaky screeches, especially when in flight. Perched birds give softer trills and contact calls to maintain flock cohesion.
Plumage
Mostly green with fine off-white to buff scalloping on the hindneck and breast; tail brownish-red and flight feathers bluish with red primary coverts.
Diet
Primarily consumes fruits and berries, including figs and cecropias, as well as seeds, buds, and flowers. May take palm fruits and soft mast in season and occasionally ingests clay or mineral-rich soil. Foraging is mostly in the mid to upper canopy but also at forest edges and in secondary growth.
Preferred Environment
Frequents fruiting trees along forest edges, riverine corridors, and disturbed or secondary habitats. Also forages in bamboo stands and mixed-species fruiting aggregations in the canopy.
