The Pacific parakeet, known as Pacific conure or Nicaraguan green conure in aviculture, is a species of bird in subfamily Arinae of the family Psittacidae, the African and New World parrots. It is found in southern Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
Region
Central America (Pacific slope)
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern Mexico through Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras to western and central Nicaragua, mostly along the Pacific slope and adjacent interior valleys. It occupies dry to semi-humid forests, savannas, open woodlands, forest edges, riparian corridors, and second-growth. The species also uses agricultural landscapes, coffee plantations, and urban parks. Roosts are often in large trees or on cliffs, sometimes within cities. It is tolerant of disturbance but requires cavities or crevices for nesting.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 3/5
Also called the Pacific conure or Nicaraguan green conure, this noisy, social parakeet forms large communal roosts and readily uses urban parks and avenues. It often nests in tree cavities or cliff crevices and can adapt to mosaic landscapes of farmland and woodland. Flocks are conspicuous in flight and at feeding sites, where they may visit fruiting trees and crop fields.
Pacific parakeet in flight
Parakeets in flight
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
fast, direct flight with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs, family groups, or noisy flocks that can number in the dozens or more. Forms large communal roosts on cliffs or tall trees, including in urban areas. Nests in natural tree cavities, old woodpecker holes, or rock crevices; pairs are monogamous during the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud, harsh screeches and rattling chatter, especially in flight and at roosts. Contact calls are repeated, piercing notes that carry over long distances.
Plumage
Predominantly green with a long, tapered tail; flight feathers slightly bluish; some red on the wing bend and underwing coverts. Feathering is sleek and uniform, with minimal mottling.
Diet
Feeds mainly on fruits, seeds, berries, and flower buds, including figs and other native fruiting trees. Will take cultivated fruits and grains such as maize when available. Occasionally consumes nectar and tender leaf material. Forages methodically in the canopy and may descend to fields or orchards.
Preferred Environment
Primarily forages in forest edges, secondary growth, and savanna woodland with scattered fruiting trees. Also exploits agricultural zones, coffee plantations, and city parks and avenues with planted trees.
