The maroon-tailed parakeet is a species of bird in subfamily Arinae of the family Psittacidae, the African and New World parrots. It is found in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.
Region
Northern South America (Amazon Basin and Andean foothills)
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid lowland rainforest, floodplain (várzea) and terra firme forests, and along forest edges and river corridors. It also uses secondary growth, plantations, and semi-open mosaics near intact forest. Most records are from Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. Birds typically forage in the mid- and upper canopy and may descend to edges and clearings when fruiting trees are available.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also known as the maroon-tailed conure, this small parakeet inhabits humid forests of northern Amazonia and nearby Andean foothills. Several subspecies vary subtly in head and breast patterning, which can cause confusion with other Pyrrhura parakeets. It often forms noisy, fast-moving flocks that are easiest to detect by their sharp chattering flight calls.
Maroon-tailed parakeet, P. m. berlepschi
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically found in small, cohesive flocks, often 6–20 birds, that travel together between feeding sites. Pairs nest in tree cavities and may use the same sites for several seasons. Communal roosting is common, especially outside the breeding period.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are sharp, high-pitched chatters and squeaky screeches, especially in flight. At roosts and feeding sites, birds give softer, nasal twitters and contact notes.
