The rusty-faced parrot is a Near Threatened species of bird in subfamily Arinae of the family Psittacidae, the African and New World parrots. It is found in Colombia and Venezuela and possibly Ecuador.
Region
Northern Andes (Colombia and western Venezuela, possibly northern Ecuador)
Typical Environment
Occupies humid montane and cloud forests, including elfin and secondary forest with abundant epiphytes. It favors forest edges, ridgelines, and clearings with fruiting trees, and may descend to adjacent agricultural mosaics when food is available. The species often concentrates where bamboo and other key plants are fruiting. Local movements track seasonal fruit availability, but it remains tied to forested highlands.
Altitude Range
1800–3400 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small Andean parrot is closely tied to cloud-forest habitats and is most often seen in noisy, fast-flying groups along forested ridges. Its name comes from the distinctive rusty-colored face that contrasts with its otherwise green plumage. It depends on fruiting trees and bamboo patches, making it sensitive to forest loss and fragmentation. Conservation efforts focus on protecting high-elevation forests in the northern Andes.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with fast, direct flight over valleys and ridges
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small flocks of 4–20 birds, often commuting between feeding sites. Nests are presumed in natural tree cavities within mature forest. Pairs remain close during the breeding season and join larger foraging groups outside it. Cooperative vigilance and constant calling help the flock stay coordinated in dense canopy.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are high-pitched, squeaky chatters and sharp, ringing calls given in flight. Perched birds emit a series of chittering notes and contact calls that accelerate when the flock takes off.
Plumage
Mostly green with a distinct rusty to rufous face and throat, bluish tones in the wings and tail, and a paler belly wash. Flight feathers show blue highlights, and the tail often has bluish tips. The bill is pale horn and contrasts with the mask-like rusty face.
Diet
Feeds mainly on fruits, berries, and seeds from a variety of montane forest trees and shrubs. Also takes buds and flowers when available, and may exploit mass fruiting or bamboo seeding events. Foraging often occurs high in the canopy but the species will drop lower along forest edges and clearings to use fruiting trees.
Preferred Environment
Primarily the mid- to upper-canopy of cloud forest and elfin forest, especially along fruit-rich ridges and edges. Regularly visits secondary growth and forest patches near pastures if key food trees are present.
