The orange-cheeked parrot, also known as Barraband's parrot, is a species of parrot in the family Psittacidae. It was formerly placed in the genus Pionopsitta, which is now monotypic.
Region
Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occupies humid lowland rainforest across the Amazon Basin, favoring mature terra firme and seasonally flooded várzea and igapó forests. It frequents forest edges, river corridors, and tall secondary growth, but is most often detected in the canopy. Birds may wander locally in response to fruiting trees. It can persist in selectively logged forest where large cavity-bearing trees remain.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called Barraband's parrot, this species is a canopy-dwelling Amazonian parrot best recognized by its vivid orange cheeks. It was formerly placed in the genus Pionopsitta, which is now monotypic and holds only the pileated parrot. Orange-cheeked parrots are typically seen in small groups and can be surprisingly quiet for a parrot, often going unnoticed high in the treetops.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
direct, fast flight with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually encountered in pairs or small flocks, sometimes joining mixed-species fruiting aggregations. Nests in tree cavities, relying on large, mature trees for suitable nest sites. Courtship involves mutual preening and soft contact calls.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are sharp, slightly nasal screeches and high-pitched chattering notes, often given in flight. At rest it gives softer contact calls that can be hard to detect against forest noise.
Plumage
Mostly green with a contrasting bright orange cheek patch and yellowish face, a slight bluish wash on the crown, and darker green wings. Underwings show darker coverts with green primaries; bend of wing may show a reddish tinge. Tail is green with slightly paler tips.
Diet
Feeds primarily on fruits and seeds from a variety of canopy trees, including figs and palms, and will also take berries and flower buds. It tracks seasonal fruiting, shifting foraging sites as resources change. Individuals may occasionally visit mineral-rich riverbanks to ingest clay.
Preferred Environment
Forages high in the canopy and at forest edges, often along river margins where fruiting trees are abundant. Will descend to midstory when exploiting specific fruit crops.
