The mitred parakeet, also known as the mitred conure in aviculture, is a species of bird in subfamily Arinae of the family Psittacidae, the African and New World parrots. It is native to Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru. It has been introduced to Uruguay and is established there. There are also substantial populations in the US states of California and Florida and smaller numbers in Hawaii.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Native to montane forests and forest edges of Peru, Bolivia, and northwestern Argentina, especially in humid Andean Yungas and adjacent secondary growth. It frequents open woodlands, shade-grown farms, and urban parks where trees provide cavities for nesting. Introduced populations occur in urban and suburban habitats in California and Florida, and smaller numbers in Hawaii, where they use palms, eucalypts, and ornamental trees. They often commute between roosts and feeding sites in noisy flocks and adapt well to mosaic agricultural landscapes.
Altitude Range
800–3500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the mitred conure in aviculture, this parakeet is a noisy, social Andean species that often forms large communal roosts. The amount of red on the face and head is variable and tends to increase with age, helping with identification. It has established self-sustaining introduced populations in parts of the United States (California, Florida) and Hawaii, as well as Uruguay.
Inka Trail, Peru
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid, direct wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically forms small to large flocks outside the breeding season, gathering at communal roosts in tall trees. Pairs nest in tree cavities, often reusing sites across years, and may nest semi-colonially where suitable holes are abundant. Both parents participate in incubation and chick rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud, piercing screeches and harsh, rolling chatter that carry over long distances. Calls accelerate and intensify in flight or when flocks regroup, with contact notes traded continuously among flock members.
