The scaly-headed parrot is a species of bird in subfamily Arinae of the family Psittacidae, the African and New World parrots. It is also called scaly-headed pionus, Maximilian pionus, Maximilian parrot, Maximilian's pionus, or Maximilian's parrot. It is found in Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, and Paraguay.
Region
Eastern and central South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from eastern and central Brazil into eastern Bolivia, Paraguay, and northern Argentina. It inhabits humid and semi-humid forests, gallery forests, woodland edges, and wooded savannas of the Cerrado and Caatinga mosaics, as well as patches of Atlantic Forest. The species frequents secondary growth and can visit agricultural areas for seasonal fruiting resources. It typically uses the mid- to upper canopy and often remains inconspicuous when perched.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 3/5
Also known as Maximilian’s Pionus, this medium-sized parrot is noted for its subtly scalloped head plumage and bright red undertail coverts. It is generally quiet for a parrot and often keeps to the mid- to upper canopy. Though adaptable, it is affected by habitat loss and trapping in parts of its range. It nests in tree cavities and often forages in small, loose flocks.
Wild scaly-headed parrot
A captive scaly-headed parrot
Temperament
social and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with strong, direct flight
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small, loose flocks outside the breeding season. Nests in natural tree cavities or old woodpecker holes, with both adults attending the nest. Pairs are monogamous and maintain close contact calls while foraging. Roosting may occur communally in favored trees.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are sharp, nasal notes and wheezy screeches, especially when in flight. Perched birds give softer, conversational chirps and grating notes, often repeated at intervals.
Plumage
Overall green body with dusky, scalloped feather edges on the head and neck that create a scaly appearance; bluish tinge on throat and chest; bright red undertail coverts.
Diet
Feeds on a broad variety of fruits, seeds, and berries, including figs and palm fruits. It also takes flower buds and nectar when available and may sample cultivated crops such as maize or fruit orchards. Foraging is often seasonal, tracking fruiting trees across the landscape.
Preferred Environment
Primarily forages in the mid- to upper canopy of forest and woodland edges, occasionally descending to lower levels for ripe fruits. It frequently uses gallery forests along rivers and wooded savannas with scattered fruiting trees.
