The ochre-marked parakeet is a species of parrot native to Brazil. It is also known as blue-throated parakeet in English and tiriba-grande, tiriba, cara-suja and fura-mato-grande in Portuguese. It is listed as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List.
Region
Atlantic Forest, eastern Brazil
Typical Environment
Occupies lowland and foothill evergreen Atlantic Forest, favoring tall, mature woodland with abundant fruiting trees. It also uses forest edges, secondary growth, and traditional shade-cocoa plantations when large canopy trees remain. Birds typically forage in the midstory to canopy and commute between fruiting trees. It is largely sedentary within suitable forest tracts but makes local movements to track seasonal food.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This striking conure is confined to Brazil’s Atlantic Forest and is highly dependent on mature trees for nesting cavities. Habitat loss and fragmentation are the main threats, which is why it is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Flocks are often detected by their loud calls as they zip over the canopy, but they can become surprisingly quiet while feeding.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; agile canopy flier
Social Behavior
Usually found in small, noisy flocks, especially when commuting between feeding sites. Pairs maintain strong bonds and nest in natural tree cavities, often in large, old trees. They roost communally and exhibit cooperative vigilance while feeding.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of sharp, ringing squeals and chatter given in flight that carries over forest. At feeding sites the calls soften to rapid, twittering notes and muted squawks used to keep contact within the flock.
Plumage
Mostly green with a vivid blue throat, ochre-edged scaling on the breast and face, broad red belly patch, and maroon tail. Primaries show bluish tones; underparts have subtle scalloping. The bare orbital ring is pale, contrasting with dark eyes and a dusky bill.
Diet
Feeds primarily on fruits and seeds from a variety of native forest trees, including figs, palms, and other canopy species. It also takes flower buds and nectar when available and will opportunistically sample cultivated fruits. Seasonal shifts in fruiting drive local movements and flocking dynamics.
Preferred Environment
Forages mostly in the midstory and canopy of mature Atlantic Forest, but will use forest edges and shade-cocoa agroforests where tall trees persist. Birds often visit known fruiting trees repeatedly and may join mixed-species foraging aggregations at abundant food sources.
