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Fiery-shouldered parakeet

Fiery-shouldered parakeet

Wikipedia

The fiery-shouldered parakeet, also known as the fiery-shouldered conure, is a species of parrot in the family Psittacidae. It is found in Brazil, Guyana, and Venezuela. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. There are two subspecies, P. e. egregia and P. e. obscura.

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Distribution

Region

Guiana Shield (Pantepui Highlands)

Typical Environment

Occurs in southeastern Venezuela, western Guyana, and adjacent northern Brazil (Roraima) in subtropical to tropical moist montane forests. It favors cloud forest, forest edges, and montane foothill forest on tepui slopes. Birds often use secondary growth and clearings with tall trees. They may descend locally to lower elevations to exploit seasonal fruiting, but remain tied to humid forest habitats.

Altitude Range

800–2200 m

Climate Zone

Highland

Characteristics

Size23–26 cm
Wing Span35–40 cm
Male Weight0.09 kg
Female Weight0.085 kg
Life Expectancy10 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 2/5

Useful to know

Also called the fiery-shouldered conure, this small parrot is named for its vivid orange-red shoulder patch. It lives in humid montane forests of the Guiana Shield and often travels in noisy, fast-moving flocks. Like many Pyrrhura parakeets, it nests in tree cavities and shows strong pair bonds. It is occasionally seen at forest edges and clearings, especially where fruiting trees are abundant.

Gallery

Bird photo
Bird photo
Bird photo
Bird photo
Demerara hen. Male and Female show no dimorphism.

Demerara hen. Male and Female show no dimorphism.

Behaviour

Temperament

social and active

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats; swift, direct flight

Social Behavior

Usually seen in pairs or small to medium flocks that maintain contact with frequent calls. Pairs are monogamous and nest in tree cavities, sometimes reusing sites in successive seasons. Communal roosting occurs outside the breeding season, and flocks move together to feeding sites.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Vocalizations are sharp, chattering series of squeaky notes and harsh trills, especially in flight. At roosts or while feeding they give softer chatters and contact calls, remaining conspicuous by sound even when obscured by foliage.

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