The golden-capped parakeet is a species of parrot in the family Psittacidae endemic to Brazil. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forest, subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest, dry savanna, and plantations. It is threatened by habitat loss. The A. auricapillus is a good biological indicator because of its vulnerability, high detectability as well as its sensitivity to forest fragmentation.
Region
Eastern and southeastern Brazil
Typical Environment
Occurs in the Atlantic Forest and adjacent habitats from Bahia south through Minas Gerais, Espírito Santo, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and into Paraná. It uses lowland and foothill forests, forest edges, secondary growth, gallery forests, and wooded savannas. Birds readily forage in agricultural mosaics and plantations (e.g., cacao, coffee, fruit orchards). They often commute between roosts in taller forest and feeding sites in more open or disturbed areas.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also known as the golden-capped conure, this parakeet is a conspicuous flocking bird of Brazil’s Atlantic Forest and adjacent savannas. It is sensitive to forest fragmentation and is often used as a biological indicator species. Though popular in aviculture, it is not domesticated and wild populations are impacted by habitat loss and local capture.
At Jurong Bird Park
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid, direct wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically found in pairs or small, noisy flocks that may aggregate at fruiting trees. Forms long-term pair bonds and nests in tree cavities, often reusing sites. Communal roosting is common outside the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud, piercing screeches and harsh chatter given in flight and from perches. Contact calls carry over long distances and flocks often call in unison when departing roosts.
Plumage
Mostly green with a striking golden to orange crown and forehead, red at the bend of the wing, and bluish tones in the flight feathers and tail tips.
Diet
Primarily consumes fruits, berries, seeds, and flower buds; also takes nectar and occasionally cultivated crops such as mango or maize. It favors native fruiting trees but readily exploits edge habitats and secondary forest resources. During the dry season it may rely more on seeds and hardy fruits.
Preferred Environment
Forages mostly in the canopy and upper midstory of forests and along edges. Frequently visits plantations and orchards, especially where native trees are interspersed with crops.
