The cordilleran parakeet is a Near Threatened species of bird in subfamily Arinae of the family Psittacidae, the African and New World parrots. It is found in Ecuador and Peru.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs along inter-Andean valleys and slopes of Ecuador and northern to central Peru, favoring dry to semi-humid montane landscapes. It uses forest edges, riparian woodland, open cloud-forest margins, and agricultural mosaics with scattered trees. Birds also exploit arid scrub with cacti and Prosopis where cavities and food are available. Urban and peri-urban parks with mature trees can host small flocks.
Altitude Range
800–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The Cordilleran parakeet is a Near Threatened Andean parrot that often forms noisy flocks commuting between feeding areas and communal roosts. It frequently roosts on cliffs or tall riverine trees and nests in natural cavities, sometimes in arboreal termitaria or dead palms. Local declines are linked to habitat loss and capture for the pet trade.
Temperament
social and noisy
Flight Pattern
strong flier with swift, direct flight
Social Behavior
Usually seen in small to medium flocks outside the breeding season, with communal roosting on cliffs or large trees. Pairs are monogamous and nest in cavities in trees, palms, or occasionally cliff holes. During breeding, pairs may separate from larger flocks but still forage nearby with small groups.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud, piercing screeches and rolling chatter, especially in flight. At roosts or feeding sites, calls soften to rapid kek-kek series and buzzy chatter used to keep contact within the flock.
Plumage
Mostly green with a variable red forecrown and small red patches on the bend of the wing; long, tapered tail. Feathers appear plain at a distance but show a brighter emerald tone in good light. Bare orbital ring is pale, contrasting with the darker face.
Diet
Feeds on a variety of seeds, fruits, berries, and flower buds, including those of native trees and shrubs. It readily takes cultivated fruits and grains where available and may raid orchards or maize fields. Birds also consume nectar and soft plant matter seasonally.
Preferred Environment
Typically forages in the canopy and upper mid-story along forest edges, river corridors, and scattered tree groves in farmland. It also uses scrubby slopes with cacti and thorny trees and occasionally visits urban parks with fruiting trees.
