The pearly parakeet, known as the pearly conure in aviculture, is a Vulnerable species in subfamily Arinae of the family Psittacidae, the African and New World parrots. It is endemic to Brazil.
Region
Eastern Amazonia
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily in lowland rainforest of northeastern Brazil, especially in Pará and adjacent Maranhão. It uses terra firme forest, forest edges, and secondary growth, and may visit riverine woodland and clearings with fruiting trees. Flocks often move through the canopy and along edges where food is abundant. It can tolerate some habitat disturbance but declines where large tracts of forest are removed.
Altitude Range
0–600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also known in aviculture as the pearly conure, this small parakeet is restricted to northeastern Amazonian Brazil. Its common name comes from the pale, scalloped 'pearly' scaling across the breast. It was historically confused taxonomically with the crimson-bellied parakeet, but is now clearly recognized as a separate species. Ongoing habitat loss has led to its Vulnerable conservation status.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with swift, direct flight
Social Behavior
Typically found in small, noisy groups or family parties that move through the canopy in search of fruit. Pairs are likely monogamous and nest in natural tree cavities. Communal roosting is common, with birds gathering at favored sites near dusk.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are sharp, high-pitched chatters and screeches that carry through the forest canopy. Contact calls are nasal and repetitive, often given in flight. At roosts, softer chattering and twittering can be heard among group members.
Plumage
Green upperparts with a distinctly scalloped, pale-scaling pattern across the breast that creates a 'pearly' look; belly often shows a dusky to reddish tinge with a maroon-tinged tail. Flight feathers are bluish, and the auricular area is darker, contrasting with the scaled breast. Underparts show fine, pale edging to feathers, giving a scaly texture.
Diet
Feeds primarily on fruits, berries, and seeds from a variety of forest trees and shrubs. It also takes flowers and buds, and may exploit seasonally abundant resources such as palm fruits. Birds often track fruiting trees and can forage quietly while concealed in foliage. Occasional visits to cultivated fruit trees may occur near forest edges.
Preferred Environment
Forages mostly in the upper canopy and along forest edges, where fruiting trees are concentrated. It also uses secondary growth and partially degraded forest, especially where pioneer species provide ample fruit. Feeding groups often remain high in trees but will descend when specific resources are available.
