The caica parrot is a species of bird in subfamily Arinae of the family Psittacidae, the African and New World parrots. It is found in Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, and Venezuela.
Region
Guiana Shield and northern Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs in northern Brazil (north of the Amazon River) and across the Guianas into eastern Venezuela. Prefers mature, humid evergreen lowland rainforest, often in terra firme but also along riverine corridors and forest edges. Frequently forages in the upper canopy and at fruiting trees, occasionally descending to forest borders or clearings. It can persist in selectively logged or secondary forests if large fruiting trees remain. Local movements track fruit availability but it does not undertake long-distance migrations.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The Caica Parrot is a small, canopy-dwelling Neotropical parrot of humid lowland forests across the Guiana Shield and northern Amazon Basin. It is typically seen in small, fast-flying groups and can be inconspicuous despite its bright green plumage. Like many forest parrots, it relies on seasonal fruiting trees and may travel widely to locate food. It nests in tree cavities and is considered a resident, non-migratory species.
Temperament
social and active but somewhat shy in dense canopy
Flight Pattern
fast, direct flight with short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually encountered in pairs or small groups, occasionally joining mixed-species foraging flocks at fruiting trees. Pairs are likely monogamous and nest in natural tree cavities. Breeding is timed to periods of high food availability, with the female incubating while the male provides food. Outside the breeding season, small flocks range over large areas following fruiting cycles.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are a mix of soft, whistled notes and clipped chatter given in flight and from the canopy. Contact calls are sharp, slightly nasal chirps; alarm calls are harsher and more penetrating. Overall, it is less raucous than larger Amazon parrots.
Plumage
Compact, mostly green parrot with a dusky brown hooded head and throat, brighter green body, and blue tones on the wing edges. Underwings show warm rufous to orange coverts in flight; tail green with bluish hints. Bill pale horn to greyish; overall appearance is neat and cleanly marked rather than heavily streaked.
Diet
Primarily consumes fruits, berries, and seeds, favoring figs and palm fruits when available. Also takes flower buds and occasionally soft pulp from ripe fruits. Foraging often occurs in the upper canopy at fruiting trees, where birds may hang acrobatically to reach clusters. Seasonal shifts in diet reflect the local fruiting phenology.
Preferred Environment
Feeds high in the canopy of mature rainforest, along forest edges, and in riverine gallery forests. Will visit secondary growth if large fruiting trees persist, and sometimes utilizes forest gaps created by treefalls or selective logging.
