The maroon-bellied parakeet is a small parrot found from southeastern Brazil to north-eastern Argentina, including eastern Paraguay and Uruguay. It is also known as the reddish-bellied parakeet, and in aviculture it is usually referred to as the maroon-bellied conure, reddish-bellied conure or brown-eared conure.
Region
Southeastern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from southeastern Brazil south through eastern Paraguay and Uruguay into northeastern Argentina, mainly within and around the Atlantic Forest biome. It uses humid and semi-humid forests, forest edges, gallery woodlands, and regenerating secondary growth. The species readily enters orchards, parks, and planted avenues in towns and cities. It forages from the mid-story to canopy, often moving between forest fragments and open areas.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 3/5
Also called the maroon-bellied conure, this small parrot is common in the Atlantic Forest and adapts well to secondary growth and urban parks. It often forms noisy, fast-flying flocks and is known to hybridize locally with closely related Pyrrhura species where ranges meet. Nesting typically occurs in tree cavities, which pairs may enlarge. Its sociable nature and attractive scalloped plumage make it popular in aviculture, though it remains a wild species.
Domestic maroon-bellied parakeet eating lettuce
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically found in pairs or small, noisy flocks that may gather into larger groups at feeding sites and communal roosts. Breeds in tree cavities, often reusing sites; pairs maintain close bonds and may be accompanied by helpers in some populations. Territoriality is modest, focused around nest sites.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are high-pitched, chattering notes and sharp, metallic screeches given in rapid series during flight. At rest, softer twitters and contact calls keep flock members coordinated.
Plumage
Green overall with scalloped, yellowish-edged feathers on the breast and flanks, a distinct maroon patch on the belly, and a long, reddish-brown tail. Upperparts are bright green with bluish primaries; the ear coverts appear brownish, giving a 'brown-eared' look. Underparts show fine barring that contrasts with the maroon belly.
Diet
Feeds primarily on fruits, berries, seeds, and flower parts, including nectar when available. It visits native fruiting trees as well as cultivated plants and orchards. Occasional consumption of buds and leaf material occurs, and it may take grains where accessible. Foraging is typically methodical, with birds hanging acrobatically while extracting fruits.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the forest mid-story and canopy, along edges, and in secondary growth. Frequently enters urban parks and gardens, especially where fruiting trees are planted.
