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.
Plumage
Mostly green with a distinctive black hood, bluish tones on the belly and tail, and a red patch at the bend of the wing. Long, tapered tail and relatively slender body typical of conures.
Diet
Feeds on a variety of seeds, fruits, berries, and buds, as well as flowers and nectar when available. Will take cultivated grains and fruit, which can bring it into conflict with farmers. Occasionally consumes insects or larvae opportunistically.
Preferred Environment
Forages in open woodland canopies, along forest edges, in palm groves, and in agricultural fields. In urban areas, uses parks, street trees, and feeders, often descending to the ground to pick up fallen seeds.
