The short-tailed parrot is a species of bird in subfamily Arinae of the family Psittacidae, the African and New World parrots. It is found in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, and Peru.
Region
Amazon Basin and Guianas coast
Typical Environment
Occurs along the major rivers of the central and eastern Amazon Basin in Brazil, extending into adjacent lowland Ecuador, Colombia, and Peru. It also inhabits coastal mangroves from Amapá (Brazil) east to French Guiana. The species is closely tied to river-edge habitats, including seasonally flooded várzea and igapó forests, river islands, and gallery forests. It often ventures into semi-open areas near waterways and over towns along the rivers.
Altitude Range
0–500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
A highly social Amazonian parrot, the short-tailed parrot travels in noisy flocks along major rivers and roosts communally, often in coastal mangroves. Its extremely short, square tail and pale bill make it easy to pick out from other green parrots in flight. It frequents seasonally flooded forests (várzea) and river islands where fruit is abundant. The species is the sole member of its genus.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often forms medium to large, noisy flocks that commute along rivers between feeding and roosting sites. Pairs likely form long-term bonds and nest in tree cavities in floodplain forests. Communal roosting is common, especially in mangroves and along the coast.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud, harsh screeches and chattering calls, especially during flight. At roost sites, groups produce constant contact calls and excited squawks at dawn and dusk.
