The white-bellied parrot, or white-bellied caique in aviculture, is a species of bird in the subfamily Arinae of the family Psittacidae, the African and New World parrots. It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, and Peru.
Region
Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland tropical rainforest across parts of northern Bolivia, western and northern Brazil, southeastern Colombia, and eastern Peru. It favors evergreen terra firme and seasonally flooded várzea forests, as well as forest edges and tall secondary growth. The species typically forages in the midstory to canopy and often visits fruiting trees along river corridors. It may enter agroforestry mosaics near intact forest but depends primarily on extensive woodland.
Altitude Range
0–1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the white-bellied caique, this parrot is renowned for its energetic, playful behavior and acrobatic antics in the canopy. It is popular in aviculture but remains undomesticated, with wild populations affected locally by habitat loss and trapping. It relies on mature Amazonian forests and nests in tree cavities.
P. l. xanthomerius eating at Moody Gardens in Galveston, Texas
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small, noisy groups that move through the canopy together. Nests in tree cavities, where both parents attend the young. Displays playful, acrobatic behavior, often hanging upside down while foraging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are loud, high-pitched squeaks and sharp whistles, often given in rapid series. Flight calls are piercing and carry far over the forest, while contact notes within groups are chattery and excited.
