The dusky-headed parakeet, also known as Weddell's conure or dusky-headed conure in aviculture, is a small green Neotropical parrot with dusty grey head found in wooded habitats in the western Amazon basin of South America. Its range extends from southeastern Colombia south through eastern Ecuador, eastern Peru, and southwest Amazonian Brazil, to central Bolivia. It prefers semiopen habitats such as várzea, forest edge, and forest remnants, but can also be found in coffee plantations. It is generally common and its habitat preference makes it less vulnerable than many other Amazonian species. Consequently, it is considered to be of least concern by BirdLife International and IUCN.
Region
Western Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs from southeastern Colombia through eastern Ecuador and Peru, southwestern Amazonian Brazil, to central Bolivia. Prefers semiopen and edge habitats including várzea floodplain forests, river margins, forest remnants, and secondary growth. It adapts well to human-modified landscapes such as coffee plantations and fallows. Typically found in small to medium flocks that range widely in search of fruiting trees and mineral licks.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 3/5
Also called Weddell's conure, this small parrot has a characteristic dusty gray head contrasting with its bright green body. It readily uses forest edges and secondary growth and often visits Amazonian clay licks to ingest minerals. In aviculture it is known for a comparatively gentle disposition and softer voice than some other conures.
With macaws and amazons at a clay lick in Ecuador
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid, direct wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or flocks of up to a few dozen individuals, keeping close contact with loud calls. Roosts communally, often in tree cavities or dense palms. Nests in natural tree cavities or old woodpecker holes; some populations may use arboreal termitaria. Pairs are monogamous and maintain close bonds within flocks.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are high-pitched chatters and squeaky notes, given frequently in flight. At roosts and feeding sites it emits a rapid series of nasal contact calls.
Plumage
Mostly green with a dusky gray head and nape, blue-tinged primaries, and a long tapered tail. Underwings show darker flight feathers; underparts green with slight yellowish tones.
Diet
Feeds on a variety of fruits, seeds, berries, and flower parts, often taking advantage of seasonal fruiting trees. It may consume soft plant shoots and occasionally small invertebrates. Frequently visits mineral-rich clay licks to neutralize plant toxins and obtain minerals.
Preferred Environment
Forages in canopy and forest edge, along river corridors, and in secondary growth and plantations. Often travels between fruiting trees in small groups and feeds quietly within foliage.
