The black-headed parrot is a species of bird in subfamily Arinae of the family Psittacidae, the African and New World parrots. Other colloquial names are black-crowned parrot, black-capped parrot, black-headed caique, and for subspecies P. m. pallidus, pallid caique. It is found in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela.
Region
Amazon Basin and the Guianas
Typical Environment
Occurs widely in northern Amazonia, including Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador, and across the Guianas (French Guiana, Suriname, Guyana). It inhabits lowland humid rainforest, favoring terra firme forest but also using river-edge and seasonally flooded várzea, forest edges, and tall secondary growth. Most activity is in the canopy and subcanopy where fruiting trees are abundant. It may visit clearings and plantations adjacent to forest where fruit is available. Typically absent from heavily deforested landscapes.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the black-headed caique, this parrot is famous for its playful, acrobatic behavior and is often dubbed the “clown” of parrots. It is a noisy, conspicuous canopy bird that travels in small, active parties and frequents fruiting trees. Though popular in aviculture, it is not domesticated; wild populations are affected locally by habitat loss and trapping.
Breeders in a cage
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with fast, direct dashes between canopy trees
Social Behavior
Usually in pairs or small, noisy groups that maintain contact calls while foraging in the canopy. Nests in natural tree cavities; pairs are strongly monogamous and may join small groups at communal roosts. Breeding timing varies locally, often linked to the end of the dry season when food is plentiful.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud, squeaky whistles and sharp, nasal squawks that carry far through the forest. Calls accelerate when groups take flight or converge on fruiting trees, often delivered in excited series.
Plumage
Compact parrot with a glossy black head, white belly and chest, green upperparts and wings, and rich yellow to orange thighs and flanks. The nape and sides of the neck show yellow to orange tones blending into the white underparts. Feathers are tight and glossy, giving a smooth, clean look.
Diet
Primarily eats fruit and berries, including palm fruits and figs, supplemented with seeds, buds, and flowers. It will take nectar and soft plant matter when available. Occasionally consumes insects or larvae while probing fruit clusters or bark, especially during the breeding season. Follows seasonal fruiting cycles and may track ephemeral resources across its home range.
Preferred Environment
Forages mainly in the canopy and subcanopy of mature rainforest and along forest edges. Frequently visits fruiting trees near rivers and in tall secondary growth, and may enter agroforestry plots with suitable fruit crops.
