The crimson-bellied parakeet, known as the crimson-bellied conure in aviculture, is a species of bird in subfamily Arinae of the family Psittacidae, the African and New World parrots. It is found in Bolivia and Brazil.
Region
Southwestern Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
The species inhabits lowland humid forests in northern Bolivia and adjacent western to central Brazil, especially south of the Amazon River. It favors terra firme rainforest but also uses seasonally flooded várzea, secondary growth, and forest edges near clearings. Flocks often forage in the canopy and along river corridors where fruiting trees are abundant. It relies on mature trees for nesting sites and will use wooded patches in a mosaic of forests and disturbed habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 700 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 3/5
Also known in aviculture as the crimson-bellied conure, this small parakeet is prized for its vivid red belly and playful, social nature. Juveniles show little or no red on the belly, which develops after the first molt. It forms strong pair bonds and often travels in chatty, close-knit groups. Though adaptable to forest edges, it depends on large trees for nesting cavities.
Illustration by Joseph Wolf, 1864
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with swift, direct flight
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small flocks, occasionally gathering in larger groups at rich food sources. It is cavity-nesting, using holes in large trees; pairs maintain close contact with soft mutual preening. Breeding timing varies locally but often coincides with periods of peak food availability. Flocks keep in contact with frequent calls while traveling between feeding and roosting sites.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are a series of sharp, high-pitched chattering notes and squeaky contact calls given in rapid bursts. In flocks, softer twittering and murmuring tones are exchanged while foraging. Alarm calls are louder and more piercing, especially during flight.
Plumage
Mostly green with a conspicuous crimson belly and lower breast, and a subtly scaled or scalloped breast pattern. Wings show blue on the primaries and coverts, and the tail is reddish with bluish tips. The head is dusky to brownish with a slight bluish wash on the cheeks.
Diet
Primarily consumes a variety of wild fruits and berries, along with seeds from forest trees and shrubs. It also takes flowers, buds, and occasionally nectar, moving widely to track seasonal fruiting. Foraging is usually cooperative within small flocks, with birds gleaning and probing among foliage and hanging acrobatically to reach clusters. When fruit is scarce, it may use secondary growth and edge habitats where pioneer plants are fruiting.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mostly in the canopy and sub-canopy of terra firme rainforest, along river margins, and in tall secondary woods. It readily visits forest edges, clearings, and fruiting trees near settlements or along roads. Groups often commute between known fruiting sites and roosts.
