The Caatinga parakeet, also called the cactus parakeet and in aviculture the cactus conure, is a species of bird in subfamily Arinae of the family Psittacidae, the African and New World parrots. It is endemic to eastern Brazil.
Region
Northeastern Brazil
Typical Environment
Occurs across the Caatinga, a mosaic of thorn scrub, dry woodland, and seasonally dry river corridors. It favors semi-open landscapes with scattered trees, cacti, and shrubs, including human-altered mosaics such as small farms and orchard edges. The species readily uses cavities in columnar cacti and trees for nesting. It is locally common near water sources and fruiting cacti during the dry season.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 3/5
Also called the cactus parakeet or cactus conure, this species is confined to the dry Caatinga biome of northeastern Brazil. It frequently nests and roosts in cavities of tall columnar cacti as well as in tree holes, an adaptation to its semi-arid environment. Highly social and noisy, it forms small to medium flocks and often visits cultivated areas to feed. Though kept in aviculture, it is not domesticated.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong, direct flight with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small flocks, expanding to larger groups at favored feeding or roost sites. Nests colonially or semi-colonially in cavities, often in tall cacti or tree holes. Both parents attend the nest, and communal roosting outside the breeding season is common.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud, harsh screeches and chattering series, especially in flight. Contact calls are repeated, piercing notes that carry over distance; perched birds give softer chatters and trills.
