The Venezuelan parakeet or Emma's conure is a species of bird in subfamily Arinae of the family Psittacidae, the African and New World parrots. It is endemic to Venezuela.
Region
Northern South America
Typical Environment
Endemic to northern Venezuela, where it inhabits humid foothill and montane forests, forest edges, and secondary growth. It favors the mid-story to canopy but will descend to feed at fruiting shrubs along clearings and streams. The species tolerates some habitat mosaic and may visit plantations or shade-grown agroforestry areas when fruiting trees are present. Roosts are usually in tree cavities or dense foliage within intact forest patches.
Altitude Range
200–1700 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also known as Emma's conure, this small parakeet belongs to the Pyrrhura “painted parakeet” complex, and its taxonomy has been debated by different authorities. It is typically seen in small, noisy flocks that commute between feeding areas and communal roosts. As a canopy frugivore, it likely plays an important role in seed dispersal for many native trees.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually travels in small flocks or family groups and forms larger assemblies at fruiting trees. Pairs are monogamous and nest in natural tree cavities. Communal roosting is common outside the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Loud, piercing chatter and squeaky screeches given in flight and at roosts. When perched and feeding, the calls soften to nasal twitters and low contact notes.
Plumage
Mostly green with a finely scalloped grayish breast, maroon belly patch, blue primary wing feathers, and rufous tail. Head is dusky to brownish with subtle pale scaling on the face and a narrow pale eye ring.
Diet
Feeds primarily on fruits, berries, and seeds, supplemented by flowers and nectar when available. It forages methodically through the canopy, often hanging acrobatically to reach fruits. Occasionally visits cultivated areas to take guava, mango, or other soft fruits. Grit or mineral-rich soil may be ingested for digestion.
Preferred Environment
Prefers mid- to upper-canopy layers of humid forests and edges, including secondary growth with fruiting trees. Will also use riparian corridors and mixed agroforestry landscapes that maintain native fruiting species.
