The grey-hooded parakeet, also known as the Aymara parakeet or Sierra parakeet, is a species of parrot in the family Psittacidae. It is found in northwestern Argentina and Bolivia. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical high-altitude shrubland.
Region
Central Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs mainly in western Bolivia and northwestern Argentina across arid intermontane valleys, puna grasslands, and high-altitude shrublands. It frequents open scrub, rocky slopes, agricultural edges, and village outskirts. Birds often descend locally to fields and water sources during the dry season. Edges of Polylepis patches and thorny shrubs are commonly used for perching and roosting.
Altitude Range
1500–4000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the Aymara or Sierra parakeet, this hardy Andean species tolerates cold, dry highlands where nights can be near freezing. It often nests colonially in earthen banks or cliff crevices and forages in small, chatty flocks. The name “Aymara” reflects the Indigenous culture of the Andean region where it lives.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
fast, direct flight with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small to medium-sized flocks outside the breeding season. Nests in burrows or crevices in earthen banks and cliffs, sometimes in loose colonies. Pairs maintain close contact calls while foraging on the ground or in low shrubs.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft, twittering chatter and high, buzzy contact notes. In flight it gives rapid, squeaky sequences; perched birds exchange gentle, conversational trills.
Plumage
Compact parakeet with a neat grey hood and breast contrasting with a predominantly green body. Upperparts are medium green with slightly darker wings; primaries show bluish tones. Underparts grade from grey on the chest to greenish on the belly with yellowish undertail coverts.
Diet
Feeds mainly on grass and weed seeds, buds, and flowers, supplementing with tender leaves and occasional fruits. Will take spilled grain at field edges and around settlements. Foraging often occurs on the ground or low in shrubs, with birds methodically picking seeds and husking them with the bill.
Preferred Environment
Open scrubby hillsides, puna grasslands, fallow fields, and the edges of small farms or villages. Regularly visits water sources and grazed pastures where seed availability is high.
