The sulphur-winged parakeet, also known as Hoffmann's conure in aviculture, is a species of bird in subfamily Arinae of the family Psittacidae, the African and New World parrots. It is found in Costa Rica and Panama.
Region
Central American highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs in the highlands of Costa Rica and western Panama (notably the Talamanca and Chiriquí ranges). Prefers humid montane and cloud forests, edges, and adjacent secondary growth, and readily uses wooded farmland such as shade coffee. Often forages in the canopy but also along forest margins and clearings. Typically found in small, noisy flocks that move between fruiting trees and roosting sites.
Altitude Range
1000–2550 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also known as Hoffmann's conure in aviculture, this small parakeet is instantly recognized by the sulphur-yellow panel on its wings visible in flight. It travels in noisy, tight-knit flocks and often visits shade coffee farms and forest edges. The species nests in tree cavities and benefits from protected montane forests in Costa Rica and western Panama.
Illustration by Joseph Smit, 1869
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found in small flocks of 4–20 birds that keep close contact with frequent calls. Roosts communally and nests in tree cavities, often reusing favored sites. Pairs are monogamous and may be accompanied by helpers near nest sites in some groups.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are sharp, high-pitched chatters and squeaks, often delivered in rapid series during flight. Perched birds give softer twitters and rolling trills to maintain contact within the flock.
Plumage
Mostly green with a dusky-brown crown, bronzy cheeks, faint scalloping on the breast, and a maroon belly patch. Primaries are bluish with a distinctive sulphur-yellow wing panel most evident in flight; tail is reddish-brown. Feathering is compact and slightly scaled in appearance on the neck and upper breast.
Diet
Feeds mainly on fruits and berries, including figs and guavas, along with seeds, flower buds, and occasional nectar. Forages methodically in the canopy of fruiting trees and shrubby edges. Will also take cultivated fruits when available and may glean seeds from epiphytes.
Preferred Environment
Canopy and edges of montane and cloud forests, as well as secondary growth and shade-coffee plantations. Often concentrates at seasonally fruiting trees and along forested riparian corridors.
