The South American pileated parrot is a species of bird in subfamily Arinae of the family Psittacidae, the African and New World parrots. It is found in Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. It was formerly known as the red-capped parrot, easily leading to confusion with the Australian Purpureicephalus spurius that bears that English name.
Region
Atlantic Forest of southern Brazil, eastern Paraguay, and northeastern Argentina
Typical Environment
It inhabits humid and semi-humid broadleaf forests, particularly mature and secondary Atlantic Forest. Birds are most often seen in the mid- to upper canopy, along forest edges, and in forested river valleys. They may also use shade plantations and patches of regenerating woodland where fruiting trees are available. Occasional movements between fruiting sites occur, but they generally remain within forested landscapes.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The pileated parrot is a small green parrot of the South American Atlantic Forest, notable for its bright red cap that inspired its name and its former English name, red-capped parrot. It ranges across southern Brazil, eastern Paraguay, and northeastern Argentina (Misiones). It forages high in the canopy and is often detected by its sharp, ringing calls. Ongoing habitat loss in the Atlantic Forest affects local populations.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with swift, direct flights between treetops
Social Behavior
Usually encountered in pairs or small, noisy groups, especially at fruiting trees. Nests in natural tree cavities. Pairs maintain close contact calls and may join mixed-species parrot flocks where food is abundant.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are sharp, ringing notes and nasal squawks given in flight and from perches. Vocalizations can be persistent when flocks are feeding or moving between trees.
Plumage
Mostly green with a vivid red cap on the crown, darker dusky cheeks, and bluish tones in the wings and tail. Underwings show reddish or maroon tones in the coverts when in flight. The overall plumage is compact and smooth, typical of small forest parrots.
Diet
Feeds primarily on wild fruits, berries, and seeds, including figs and palm fruits. It also takes flower buds and occasionally soft seeds within fruits. Foraging is often high in the canopy where it moves methodically among fruiting branches.
Preferred Environment
Canopy and subcanopy of mature and secondary Atlantic Forest, as well as forest edges and riverine forests. It favors areas with abundant fruiting trees and may visit shade-grown agroforestry plots.
