The vulturine parrot is a species of bird in subfamily Arinae of the family Psittacidae, the African and New World parrots. It is endemic to Brazil.
Region
Eastern Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Found in lowland rainforest, primarily terra firme and seasonally flooded (várzea) forests, and sometimes in mature secondary growth. It keeps mostly to the mid- to upper canopy and along forest edges and river corridors. Birds move locally in response to fruiting trees and may traverse gaps between forest patches. It is generally scarce to uncommon and local within its range.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Named for its bare, dark facial skin that gives a vulture-like appearance, this parrot is adapted to feeding on soft, messy fruits without fouling its head feathers. It is a canopy-dwelling species that is often overlooked despite bright green plumage, as it moves quietly in small groups. Habitat loss in the eastern Amazon has led to declines in parts of its range. It is protected in Brazil and rarely seen in captivity.
Temperament
wary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with swift, direct flights over the canopy
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs or small groups of up to a dozen birds, foraging quietly high in the canopy. Nests are presumed to be in tree cavities, with pairs maintaining close bonds. Flocks often track fruiting trees and may join mixed-species movements along riverine corridors.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are sharp, slightly nasal calls and short screeches given in flight. At rest, it emits soft chatter and contact notes that can be easily missed amid canopy noise.
Plumage
Mostly bright green with a contrasting bare, blackish head and a subtle yellowish collar on the nape; wings and tail green with bluish tones toward the tips.
Diet
Primarily consumes a variety of fruits and berries, including figs and other soft, pulpy species; also takes seeds when available. It forages methodically among fruiting crowns, often hanging to reach clusters. The bare head likely helps keep sticky juices from matting feathers. Occasionally visits clay banks or exposed mineral sources to supplement its diet.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the upper canopy of mature rainforest and along edges where fruiting trees are abundant. It also uses gallery forests along rivers and tall secondary growth when fruit resources peak.
