The white-winged parakeet, or canary-winged parakeet is a small parrot native to the Amazon River basin from southeast Colombia to the rivers mouth in Brazil. Caged birds have been released and the birds have established self-sustaining populations in Lima, Peru, Los Angeles, and Miami, Florida areas of the United States, and in Puerto Rico. They were also present in San Francisco, California until the mid-2000s. Although feral birds are showing some recent declines as nesters in the United States, they seem to be doing well in their native habitat.
Region
Amazon Basin and northern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland rainforest edges, riverine woodland, secondary growth, and savannas with scattered trees across the Amazon River basin from southeast Colombia and eastern Peru to northern Bolivia and much of Brazil. It adapts well to human-modified landscapes, using plantations, gardens, and urban parks. Outside its native range, self-sustaining feral populations persist in parts of coastal Peru, the Caribbean, and southern Florida, and have occurred (with fluctuations) in California.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 3/5
Also called the canary-winged parakeet, this species was long lumped with the yellow-chevroned parakeet before being split; the white-winged shows bold white panels in the wing. It readily adapts to cities and has established feral populations in places like Lima, Miami, Los Angeles, and Puerto Rico. In its native range it often nests in arboreal termite mounds, which the pair excavates into a chamber.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
fast direct flight with short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often seen in noisy flocks from small groups to dozens, forming larger gatherings at communal roosts. Pairs maintain close bonds and nest in cavities, frequently excavating chambers within arboreal termite nests or using tree cavities and palm crowns. They are attentive parents, with both adults participating in nest excavation and care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Loud, high-pitched chattering and squeaky notes, often delivered in rapid series while in flight. Calls are sharp and carrying, used to keep flock contact and signal alarm.
Plumage
Bright green overall with conspicuous white patches on the wings; underwing shows white and yellowish tones. Feathers are smooth and sleek, with a long, tapered tail.
Diet
Feeds primarily on seeds, fruits, flowers, buds, and nectar from a variety of native and cultivated plants. In urban areas it frequently takes figs, guava, mango, and ornamental plant seeds. It also visits flowering trees and palms to take nectar and soft parts of blossoms. Crop-raiding may occur where fruiting trees are abundant near settlements.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the canopy and at forest edges, along rivers, and in secondary growth. In cities it uses parks, gardens, and street trees, often moving between roosts and feeding sites along regular routes.
