The nanday parakeet, also known as the black-hooded parakeet or nanday conure, is a medium-small, mostly green, Neotropical parrot native to continental South America.
Region
South-central South America
Typical Environment
Occurs across the Gran Chaco and adjacent regions of Paraguay, Bolivia, Brazil, and northern Argentina, favoring open woodlands, savannas, gallery forests, and palm groves. Often found along riparian corridors and at forest edges where cavity-nesting sites are available. Readily uses agricultural landscapes and suburban parks. Outside its native range, self-sustaining feral populations are established in parts of the United States and elsewhere.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 3/5
Also called the black-hooded parakeet or nanday conure, it is a social, noisy parrot native to south-central South America. It forms large communal roosts and adapts readily to human-altered habitats, which has helped establish introduced populations in places like Florida and California. Known for a loud, piercing call, it is popular in the pet trade but is not domesticated.
Temperament
social and noisy
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid, direct wingbeats
Social Behavior
Occurs in pairs and small to large flocks, gathering into sizeable communal roosts near water or in tall trees. Pairs are strongly bonded and often nest in loose colonies, using natural cavities or dead palm stubs. Both parents participate in nesting duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud, harsh screeches and metallic kaw notes that carry over long distances. Flocks keep contact with repeated, piercing calls, especially around roosting and feeding sites.
