The Santa Marta parakeet is an Endangered species of bird in subfamily Arinae of the family Psittacidae, the African and New World parrots. It is endemic to Colombia.
Region
Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, northern Colombia
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid montane and cloud forests, including forest edges, elfin forest, and adjacent secondary growth. It often follows forested ridges and frequents canopy and subcanopy strata while foraging. The species can use small forest patches and regenerating areas when contiguous forest is limited. Roosts are typically in tall trees, and nesting takes place in natural cavities.
Altitude Range
1800–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small parakeet is confined to Colombia’s isolated Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, where it forages in noisy, active flocks. It depends on humid montane forest and nearby second growth, making it sensitive to ongoing deforestation and habitat fragmentation. Conservation actions include protection of key forest tracts and installation of nest boxes to boost breeding success. It is currently listed as Endangered due to its restricted range and declining habitat quality.
Santa Marta parakeet
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with swift, direct flight
Social Behavior
Typically found in small to medium flocks that move together while foraging in the canopy. Pairs or small groups nest in tree cavities, and communal roosting is common outside the breeding season. Courtship includes mutual preening and soft contact calls within flocks.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are sharp, high-pitched chattering and screeches that carry over forested slopes. Contact calls are rapid and repeated when flocks are in flight, while softer twitters are given during foraging.
