Eclectus parrot

Eclectus roratus

Photo by Doug Janson (Wikipedia)

Common name:
eclectus parrot (en); papagaio-eclético (pt); grand éclectus (fr); loro ecléctico (es); edelpapagei (de)

Taxonomy:
Order Psittaciformes
Family Psittacidae

Range:
This species is found in New Guinea, the Moluccas, the Solomon islands, the island of Sumba in Indonesia and also in northern Australia on the Eastern Cape York Peninsula. It has also been introduced to Palau and Singapore.

Size:
These birds are 35 cm long and weigh 440-620 g.

Habitat:
The eclectus parrot is found in a wide range of wooded habitats, including rainforests, secondary growths, Eucalyptus woodlands, moist savannas, mangroves, coconut plantations, and also grasslands, scrublands, pastures and rural gardens. They are present from sea level up to an altitude of 1.900 m.

Diet:
They forage on the trees, taking berries, fruits, seeds, nuts, blossoms, nectar and leaf buds.

Breeding:
These birds can breed all year round. They nest in a large hollow on the trunk of a tall tree, which is lined with wood chips and decayed wood dust. There the female lays 2 white eggs which she incubates alone for 26-30 days. The chicks are raised by both parents, often with the help of other adults, and fledge 11-12 weeks after hatching. They reach sexual maturity at 2-3 years of age.

Conservation:
IUCN status - LC (Least Concern)
This species has a very large breeding range and is described as common to uncommon. The population in Sumba is estimated at 1.900 individuals, but it represents a very small portion of the total range. The population is suspected to be in decline owing to ongoing habitat destruction and unsustainable levels of exploitation for food and for the cage bird trade.

Thick-billed parrot

Rhynchopsitta pachyrhyncha

Photo by Ernesto Enkerlin (Neotropical Birds)

Common name:

thick-billed parrot (en); (pt); conure à gros bec (fr); cotorra serrana occidental (es); arasittich (de)

Taxonomy:

Order Psittaciformes

Family Psittacidae

Range:

This species is mostly restricted to the western Sierra Madre, in western Mexico, although it was breeding in southern Arizona and New Mexico until recently and reintroduction efforts are underway in those areas of the United States.

Size:

These birds are 38-43 cm long and weigh around 300 g.

Habitat:

The thick-billed parrot is found in temperate conifer, mature pine-oak, pine and fir forests. They breed at altitudes of 2.000-2.700 m but outside the breeding season can range to altitudes of 1.200-3.600 m.

Diet:

They feed primarily on the seeds of several pine species, especially Mexican white pine Pinus ayacahuite, Durango pine Pinus durangesnsis, Arizona pine Pinus arizonica, Mexican pinion pine Pinus cembroides, Pinus strobiformis, Chihuahua pine Pinus leiophylla, Ponderosa pine Pinus ponderosa, Apache pine pinus engelmannii, weeping pine Pinus lumholtzi and Douglas fir Pseudotsuga menziesii. They also steal acorns from acorn woodpecker Melanerpes formicivorus granaries and eat the juniper berries and nectar from agave flowers.

Breeding:

Thick-billed parrots breed in June-October, when pine cones are more abundant. They nest in tree cavities, often originally excavated by woodpeckers. There the female lays 2-4 creamy-white eggs, which she incubates alone for 25-28 days while being fed by the male. The chicks are fed by both parents and fledge 59-65 days after hatching, but only become fully independent up to 7 months later.

Conservation:

IUCN status - EN (Endangered)

This species has a small breeding range and a global population estimated at 2.000-2.800 individuals. The population is suspected to be declining rapidly, due to clearance and degradation of old-growth forests within their range. Logging, drug growing and cattle grazing are the main reasons for forest clearance in the region. Illegal trade may also be a threat to this species, although it is believed to be a much smaller problem now than in the past. Some of the conservation measures underway include forest protection, management agreements for responsible logging and captive breeding with the objective of reintroducing the species to the United States.

Blue-winged macaw

Primolius maracana

(Photo from Free Pet Wallpapers)

Common name:
blue-winged macaw (en); maracanã-verdadeira (pt); ara d'Illiger (fr); maracaná afeitado (es); rotrückenara (de)

Taxonomy:
Order Psittaciformes
Family Psittacidae

Range:
This species is found in Brazil, from Rondônia and Pernambuco south to Paraná, and marginally into Paraguay and Argentina.

Size:
These birds are 36-43 cm long and weigh 250-280 g.

Habitat:
The blue-winged macaw is found in tropical rainforests, mangroves, dry forests and dry savannas, particularly gallery forests and forest edges. They are present from sea level up to an altitude of 1.000 m.

Diet:
They feed on seeds and fruits, namely those of Cnidoscolus phyllacanthus, Jatropha sp. and Guazuma ulmifolia, as well as introduced species like Melia azederach and Casuarina.

Breeding:
In north-eastern Brazil the blue-winged macaws breed in December-February, but this varies geographically. They nest in tree holes, where the female lays 2-4 eggs. The eggs are incubated for 26-27 days and the chicks fledge 70-80 days after hatching. They reach sexual maturity after 2-4 years.

Conservation:
IUCN status - NT (Near-Threatened)
This species has a very large breeding range, but the global population is estimated at just 1.500-7000 individuals. The population is declining at a moderately rapid rate, due to habitat loss to deforestation, capture for the cage bird trade and persecution as a crop pests, especially in Argentina.

Burrowing parrot

Cyanoliseus patagonus

Photo by Aline Wolfer (Oiseaux d'Argentine)

Common name:
burrowing parrot (en); papagaio-da-Patagónia (pt); conure de Patagonie (fr); loro barranquero (es); felsensittich (de)

Taxonomy:
Order Psittaciformes
Family  Psittacidae

Range:
This species is found in central and south-eastern Argentina and in central Chile. Although most populations are resident, some birds can migrate north to winter in north-eastern Argentina and Uruguay.

Size:
These birds are 42-45 cm long and weigh 250-390 g.

Habitat:
The burrowing parrot is mostly found in dry scrublands and grasslands, and also in dry savannas, along rivers and streams, pastures, arable land and within urban areas. They require nearby cliffs made of sandstone, limestone or earth in which to excavate nesting burrows. This species is present from sea level up to an altitude of 1.800 m.

Diet:
They mainly feed on seeds, including agricultural crops, but also some fruits and berries. They forage on the ground and among the vegetation.

Breeding:
Burrowing parrots are monogamous and pair for life. They breed in October-April and form large nesting colonies of up to 35.000 pairs in inland and coastal cliff made of sandstone, limestone or earth. The nest is a deep, zigzagging burrow excavated by both sexes, which opens into a nest chamber up to 3 m deep in the cliff face. There the female lays 2-5 white eggs directly onto the sandy floor of the nest chamber, where she incubates them alone for 22-26 days while receiving food from the male. The chicks fledge about 60 days after hatching, but continue to receive food from parents for up to 4 months.

Conservation:
IUCN status - LC (Least Concern)
This species has a large breeding range and is still common in many parts of its range in Argentina with only small range contractions reported in Córdoba. The population is suspected to be in decline owing to ongoing habitat destruction and unsustainable levels of exploitation. Heavy hunting for the cage bird trade has had a significant impact on this species, and despite legislation to limit international trade, over 120.000 individuals have been traded legally since 1981, along with numerous others on the black market. They are also persecuted as a crop pest by farmers. Despite this, the burrowing parrot is not considered threatened at present.

Black-winged lory

Eos cyanogenia

(Photo from Free Pet Wallpapers)

Common name:
black-winged lory (en); lóri-de-asa-preta (pt); lori à joues bleues (fr); lori alinegro (es); schwarzschulterlori (de)

Taxonomy:
Order Psittaciformes
Family Psittacidae

Range:
This species is endemic to the Indonesian islands of Geelvink, off the northern coast of Papua.

Size:
These birds are 29-31 cm long and weigh around 120 g.

Habitat:
The black-winged lory is mostly found in inland and coastal moist tropical forests, but also in coconut plantations.

Diet:
They feed on nectar and fruits, namely mistletoe berries and the nectar from Brugiera gymnorhiza.

Breeding:
Black-winged lories nest in holes in trees, where the female lays 2 white eggs. The eggs are mainly incubated by the female for 25-28 days. The chicks are raised by both parents and fledge 11-12 weeks after hatching.

Conservation:
IUCN status - VU (Vulnerable)
This species has a restricted breeding range and a global population estimated at 2.500-10.000 individuals. The population is suspected to be declining at a moderate rate, mainly due to deforestation driven by logging and subsistence agriculture, as well as intensive trapping for the the international pet trade.

Iris lorikeet

Psitteuteles iris

Photo by Johannes Pfleiderer (Internet Bird Colection)

Common name:
iris lorikeet (en); piriquito-de-Timor (pt); loriquet iris (fr); lori iris (es); irislori (de)

Taxonomy:
Order Psittaciformes
Family Psittacidae

Range:
These birds are only found in the islands of Timor and Wetar, both in Indonesia and in East Timor.

Size:
The iris lorikeet is 20-22 cm long and weigh 65-75 g.

Habitat:
They are in monsoon forests, Eucalyptus woodlands and savannas, plantations and agricultural land with flowering trees. They occur from sea level up to an altitude of 1.500 m.

Diet:
Iris lorikeets feed on flowering trees, eating the nectar of flowers such as Sesbania sp.

Breeding:
These birds breed in tree cavities. The female lays 2 white eggs, which are incubated for about 23 days. The chicks fledge 8-10 weeks after hatching.

Conservation:
IUCN status - NT (Near-Threatened)
The iris lorikeet has a relatively small breeding range and a global population estimated at 6.600-6.700 individuals. There is no information regarding population trends, but the species is suspected to be in decline owing to trapping for the bird trade and habitat degradation.

Rock parrot

Neophema petrophila

Photo by Jean-Philippe Paris (Mango Verde)

Common name:
rock parrot (en); piriquito-das-rochas (pt); perruche des rochers (fr); periquito roquero (es); klippensittich (de)

Taxonomy:
Order Psittaciformes
Family Psittacidae

Range:
This species is endemic to Australia, being found in coastal areas of South Australia and Western Australia, especially along the coast from Kingston to Ceduna in South Australia and in Western Australia from Cape Arid National Park to Geraldton.

Size:
These birds are22-24 cm long and weigh 45-65 g.

Habitat:
The rock parrot is mostly found in rocky coastal areas and rocky offshore islands, but also in coastal sand dunes, mangroves, saltmarshes, mudflats and occasionally in dry forests and scrublands near coastal areas. They are seldom seen more than a few hundred metres from the sea.

Diet:
They feed on the on seeds and fruits of a wide variety of grasses, rushes, scrubs and salt-tolerant plants, namely Carpobrotus.

Breeding:
Rock parrots breed in August-December. They nest on a rock crevice or ledge, tunnel or abandoned seabird nesting burrow, often hidden behind succulent scrubs. Most nests are on offshore islands. The female lays 4-5 eggs, which she incubates alone for 18 days while the male provides her food. The chicks fledge about 30 days after hatching.

Conservation:
IUCN status -LC (Least Concern)
This species has a relatively large breeding range and, although the global population size has not been quantified, the rock parrot is reported to be generally common. The population is suspected to be in decline owing to predation by invasive species, especially foxes, cats and rats, and human disturbance is also a problem near housing and recreational developments.

Mealy amazon

Amazona farinosa

Photo by Lindolfo Souto (Internet Bird Collection)

Common name:
mealy amazon (en); papagaio-moleiro (pt); amazone poudrée (fr); amazona harinosa (es); mülleramazone (de)

Taxonomy:
Order Psittaciformes
Family Psittacidae

Range:
This species is found from southern Mexico to central Bolivia and north-western Brazil. There is also a separate population along the south-eastern coast of Brazil, from  Bahia to São Paulo.

Size:
These birds are 38-41 cm long and weigh 540-700 g.

Habitat:
The mealy amazon is mostly found in dense rainforests, usually near clearings, but also in savannas and second growths. It is found from sea level up to an altitude of 1.500 m.

Diet:
They feed on various plant parts, including seeds, fruits, nuts, blossoms and leaf buds.

Breeding:
The mealy amazon breeds in November-May. They nest in a tree cavity, or occasionally on a rocky hollow, where the female lays 3-4 white eggs. The eggs are incubated by the female for 26-27 days. The chicks are fed by the female, while the male provides her with food, and fledge 60-65 days after hatching.

Conservation:
IUCN status - LC (Least Concern)
This species has a very large breeding range and the global population is estimated at 500.000-5.000.000 individuals. The population is suspected to be in decline owing to ongoing habitat destruction and unsustainable levels of trapping for the international pet trade.

Princess parrot

Polytelis alexandrae

Photo by William Hull (Mango Verde)

Common name:
princess parrot (en); piriquito-princesa (pt); perruche d'Alexandra (fr); perico princesa (es); Alexandrasittich (de)

Taxonomy:
Order Psittaciformes
Family Psittacidae

Range:
This species is endemic to Australia, being found in the central and western arid zones of the country, in inland areas of Western Australia, Northern Territory and South Australia.

Size:
These birds are 40-45 cm long and weigh 90-120 g.

Habitat:
The princess parrot is found in sandy deserts, dry grasslands, dry scrublands and open savanna woodlands consisting of scattered stands of Eucalyptus, Casuarina or Allocasuarina trees.

Diet:
They feed on the seeds, flowers, nectar and leaves of various plants.

Breeding:
Princess parrots mainly breed in September-January, but may breed at any time of the year following rainfall. The nest is a pile of decaying wood dust, placed in a hollow or hole in an Eucalyptus tree, often close to watercourses. There the female lays 3-6 white eggs, which she incubates alone for 20-23 days. The chicks are mainly fed by the female, sometimes with some help by the male, fledging 5-6 weeks after hatching. After fledging they will receive food from the male for another 3-5 weeks.

Conservation:
IUCN status - NT (Near-Threatened)
This species has a very large breeding range, but the global population is estimated at just 5.000 individuals. They nomadic or irruptive movements makes it difficult to access any population trends, but their breeding range seems to be contracting. The main threats affecting this species are habitat changes caused by increased water availability and the introduction of herbivores such as sheep, rabbits and camels. Changes in fire regimes and the introduction of predators such as cats and red foxes Vulpes vulpes are additional threats.

Brown-headed parrot

Poicephalus cryptoxanthus

Common name:
brown-headed parrot (en); papagaio-de-cabeça-castanha (pt); perroquet à tête brune (fr); lorito de cabeza parda (es); braunkopfpapagei (de)

Taxonomy:
Order Psittaciformes
Family Psittacidae

Range:
This species is found in East Africa, from southern Kenya, through Tanzania and Mozambique, and into Zimbabwe and north-eastern South Africa.

Size:
These birds are 22 cm long and weigh 120-160 g.

Habitat:
The brown-headed parrot is found in open, dry savannas and forests, riverine woodlands and sometimes also in coconut plantations, agricultural areas and mangroves. They occur from sea level at an altitude of 1.200 m.

Diet:
They mainly feed on seeds, fruits, berries and flowers, but also young shoots, pods, Aloe nectar and also millet and maize from cultivated areas. They sometimes also eat caterpillars and ants.

Breeding:
Brown-headed parrots breed in April-August. They nest in tree cavities, often in old woodpecker nests, 4-10 m above the ground. There the female lays 2-4 white eggs, which she incubates alone for 26-30 days. The chicks are fed by both parents and leave the nest 50-54 days after hatching. After this they move to a nursery area, usually an area with densely leaved trees with water nearby. They become fully independent about 28 days later.

Conservation:
IUCN status - LC (Least Concern)
This species has a very large breeding range and is reported to be locally common. The brown-headed parrot may be declining in some areas, and suffering range contractions, mostly due to habitat loss and illegal trapping for wild bird trade. Still, overall the species is not considered threatened at present.

Red-lored amazon

Amazona autumnalis

Photo by John C. Avise (Avise's Birds of the World)

Common name:
red-lored amazon (en); papagaio-diadema (pt); amazone à lores rouges (fr); loro cariamarillo (es); gelbwangenamazone (de)

Taxonomy:
Order Psittaciformes
Family Psittacidae

Range:
This species occurs in two disjunct populations. One is found from south-eastern Mexico down to western Colombia and Ecuador, while the other is found in central Brazil in the lower Rio Negro area.

Size:
These birds are 32-35 cm long and weigh 315-485 g.

Habitat:
Red-lored amazons are mainly found in rainforests, but also in mangroves, swamp forests, dry tropical forests, second growths, dry scrublands and plantations, from sea level up to an altitude of 1.100 m.

Diet:
They are strictly herbivorous, eating seeds, fruit, nuts, berries, greens, blossoms and buds.

Breeding:
The red-lored amazon breeds in January-June. They nest in tree cavities, where the female lays 2-5 white eggs. The female incubates the eggs alone for 25-28 and the chicks are fed by both parents until fledging, which takes place 8-10 weeks after hatching.

Conservation:
IUCN status - LC (Least Concern)
This species has a large breeding range and a global population estimated at 500.000-5.000.000 individuals. the population is suspected to be declining owing to habitat destruction and unsustainable levels of exploitation due to its use as a food source, for its colourful feathers that are used in ceremonial dances and for the international pet trade.

Green-cheeked parakeet

Pyrrhura molinae

(Photo from The Gemini Geek)

Common name:
green-cheeked parakeet (en); tiriba-de-cara-suja (pt); conure de Molina (fr); cotorra de Molina (es); Molinasittich (de)


Taxonomy:
Order Psittaciformes
Family Psittacidae


Range:
This South American species is found in west-central and southern Mato Grosso, Brazil, through northern and eastern Bolivia to northwestern Argentina and northern Paraguay.


Size:
These birds are 25-26 cm long and weigh 60-80 g.


Habitat:
The green-cheeked parakeet is found is forests and open woodlands, from sea level up to an altitude of 2.600 m.


Diet:
They feed on various seeds, nuts and fruits.


Breeding:
Green-cheeked parakeets nest in tree cavities. The female lays 4-6 eggs which she incubates alone for 22-25 days while being fed by the male. The chicks are fed by both parents and fledge 7 weeks after hatching.


Conservation:
IUCN status - LC (Least Concern)
This species has a large breeding range and is described as common. The population is suspected to be stable in the absence of evidence for any declines or substantial threats.

White-winged parakeet

Brotogeris versicolurus

Photo by Luis Vargas (Ornitoteca)

Common name:
white-winged parakeet (en); periquito-de-asa-branca (pt); toui à ailes variées (fr); catita de patas amarillas (es); weissflügelsittich (de)


Taxonomy:
Order Psittaciformes
Family Psittacidae


Range:
This species is native to the Amazon river basin, from eastern Peru and south-eastern Colombia and along the Amazon river and its main tributaries in Brazil all the way to the mouth. It as also been introduced to Lima, Peru, to Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and to Los Angeles, San Francisco and Miami, United States.


Size:
These birds are 21-25 cm long and weigh 70 g.


Habitat:
White-winged parakeets are mainly found in rainforests, swamp forests and riparian forests, but also in savannas and urban parks. They mostly found in lowland areas, from sea level up to an altitude of 1.000 m.


Diet:
They feed on a wide range of seeds and fruits, but may also eat blossoms and nectar.


Breeding:
The white-winged parakeet breeds in January-July. They nest in tree cavities, where the female lays 3-6 white eggs. The eggs are mainly incubated by the female, for 23-26 days. The chicks are fed by both parents and fledge 7-8 weeks after hatching.


Conservation:
IUCN status - LC (Least Concern)
This species has a large breeding range and is described as common to abundant in most parts of its range. The population is suspected to be stable in the absence of evidence for any declines or substantial threats.

Malabar parakeet

Psittacula columboides

Photo by Bishan Monnappa (India Nature Watch)

Common name:
Malabar parakeet (en); piriquito-de-colar-de-Malabar (pt); perruche de Malabar (fr); cotorra de Malabar (es); taubensittich (de)


Taxonomy:
Order Pasittaciformes
Family Psittacidae


Range:
This species is endemic to the Western Ghats of southern India.


Size:
The Malabar parakeet is 36-38 cm long and weighs around 90 g.


Habitat:
These birds are found in upland evergreen rainforests, moist scrublands, deciduous forests with bamboo, arable land and abandoned coffee and rubber plantations, from sea level up to an altitude of 1.600 m.


Diet:
They feed on seeds, fruits, particularly wild figs, buds, flowers and nectar. They may also take sorghum and fruit crops.


Breeding:
Malabar parakeets breed in December-March. They nest in tree holes, especially old woodpecker and barbet nests, often in Ceylon ironwoods Mesua ferrea. The female lays 4 eggs, which are incubated for 21-23 days. The chicks are fed by both parents and fledge 28-32 days after hatching.


Conservation:
IUCN status - LC (Least Concern)
This species has a somewhat restricted breeding range, but is reported to be common throughout the core of its range. Although the Malabar parakeet is affected by hunting for the pet trade and by habitat loss, the population is suspected to be stable in the absence of evidence for any declines or substantial threats.

Kaka

Nestor meridionalis

Photo by Alcino Cunha (Wikipedia)

Common name:
kaka (en); kaka (pt); nestor superbe (fr); káka (es); kaka (de)


Taxonomy:
Order Psittaciformes
Family Psittacidae


Range:
This species is endemic to New Zealand, having a very fragmented range both in South island and North Island.


Size:
The kaka is 40-45 cm long and weighs 390-560 g.


Habitat:
This species is mostly found in temperate forests, but also in moist tropical and sub-tropical forests, from sea level up to an altitude of 1.000 m.


Diet:
They feed on fruits, berries, seeds, flowers, buds, nectar, sap and invertebrates and honeydew.


Breeding:
Kakas breed in October-May. They nest in natural cavities in old or dying trees, where the female lays 1-8 white eggs. The female incubates the eggs alone for 20-23 days. The chicks are fed by both parents and fledge around 70 days after hatching, but only become fully independent some 4-5 month later.


Conservation:
IUCN status - EN (Endangered)
This species has a relatively small and fragmented breeding range. The global population is estimated at 2.500-10.000 individuals and is estimated to be undergoing a very rapid population decline. Originally the may threats to the kaka were forest clearance and hunting, but presently they are severely affected by predation from introduced species. Stouts Mustela erminea kill adults, especially incubating females, while brush-tailed possums Trichosurus vulpecula and black rats Rattus rattus prey on their eggs. Introduced wasps Vespula spp. compete for honeydew, which is an important food source in some parts of the range.

Scarlet macaw

Ara macao

Photo by Fabián Avellán (Raxa Collective)

Commom name:
scarlet macaw (en); araracanga (pt); ara rouge (fr); guacamaya roja (es); arakanga (de)


Taxonomy:
Order Passeriformes
Family Psittacidae


Range:
This species is found from southern Mexico to Peru, Bolivia and western Brazil.


Size:
The scarlet macaw is 80-96 cm long and has a wingspan of 110-120 cm. They weigh 900-1.500 g.


Habitat:
They are mostly found in lowland rainforest, mangroves and in dry savannas along rivers. They are mostly present from sea level up to an altitude of 900 m.


Diet:
These birds eat a wide range of fruits, seeds, nuts, flowers, nectar, bark and leaves.


Breeding:
Scarlet macaws breed in October-May. They nest in large tree cavities, about 20 m above the ground. The female lays 1-4 white eggs, which she incubates alone for 22-28 days. The chicks are fed by both parents and fledge 12-15 weeks after hatching, but often remain with the parents until the next breeding season.


Conservation:
IUCN status - LC (Least concern)
This species has a very large breeding range and a global population estimated at 20.000-50.000 individuals. The population is suspected to be in decline as a result of habitat loss, hunting for food and feathers, and capture for the pet trade, but the species is not considered threatened at present.

Red-winged parrot

Aprosmictus erythropterus

Photo by David Cook (Wikipedia)

Common name:
red-winged parrot (en); papagaio-d'asa-vermelha (pt); perruche érythroptère (fr); papagayo alirrojo (es); rotflügelsittich (de)


Taxonomy:
Order Psittaciformes
Family Psittacidae


Range:
This species is found in northern and north-eastern Australia, in southern New Guinea and Irian Jaya.


Size:
These birds are 30-33 cm long and weigh 120-210 g.


Habitat:
The red-winged parrot is mostly found in open forest, dry woodlands, timber-lined watercourses, arid scrublands and wooded grasslands with Eucalyptus. In some areas they are also found in mangroves and in urban parks and gardens. This species is present from sea level up to an altitude of 600 m.


Diet:
They feed on the seeds of Acacia and Eucalyptus, mistletoe berries, fruits, flowers, pollen, nectar and adult and larval insects.


Breeding:
Red-winged parrots breed in July-January. They nest in a hollow trunk of a tall tree, up to 11 m above the ground, often near water. The female lays 3-6 white eggs, which she incubates alone for 20-21 days. The chicks are fed by both parents and fledge 5-6 weeks after hatching. Each pair raises a single brood per year.


Conservation:
IUCN status - LC (Least concern)
This species has a very large breeding range and, although the global population size has not been quantified, it is reported to be generally common and locally abundant. The population is suspected to be in decline owing to ongoing habitat destruction, and is also sometimes shot for damaging fruit crops. The young are sometimes taken for pet trade, but overall the red-winged parrot is not threatened at present.

Meyer's parrot

Poicephalus meyeri

(Photo from Flickriver)

Common name:
Meyer's parrot (en); papagaio-de-Meyer (pt); perroquet de Meyer (fr); lorito de Meyer (es); goldbugpapagei (de)


Taxonomy:
Order Psittaciformes
Family Psittacidae


Range:
This African Species is found from Chad, and Ethiopia, though Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania and into southern D.R. Congo, Angola, Malawi, Zimbabwe western Mozambique, northern Namibia,  eastern Botswana and northern South Africa.


Size:
These birds are 21-25 cm long and weigh 100-135 g.


Habitat:
These birds are found in various woodland habitats, including savanna, riparian woodlands, and dry Acacia scrubland. They can also be found in agricultural areas. This species is present from sea level up to an altitude of 2.200 m.


Diet:
They mostly eat seeds, nuts and fruits of various plants including Ficus, Ziziphus, Uapaca, Monotes, Combretum, Grewia, Sclerocarya, Pseudolachnostylis, Afzelia and Brachystegia. they also eat cultivated plants, namely oranges and maize and have been known to eat caterpillars.


Breeding:
Meyer's parrots breed in March-August. They nest in tree cavities, 3-10 m above the ground, often using old nests of woodpeckers and barbets. There the female lays 2-4 eggs which she incubates alone for 27-31 days. The chicks are fed by both parents and fledge 8-12 weeks after hatching.


Conservation:
IUCN status - LC (Least concern)
This species has a very large breeding range and is reported to be generally common in the northern parts of its range. Although the population has decreased dramatically in South Africa and Zimbabwe, overall the population is believed to be stable in the absence of evidence for any declines or substantial threats.

Plum-headed parakeet

Psittacula cyanocephala

(Photo from UK Airshow Review)

Common name:

plum-headed parakeet (en); periquito-de-cabeça-roxa (pt); perruche à tête prune (fr); cotorra ciruela (es); pflaumenkopfsittich (de)

Taxonomy:

Order Psittaciformes

Family Psittacidae

Range:

This species is endemic to the Indian sub-continent, being found in eastern Pakistan, throughout India and Sri Lanka, and in Nepal and Bangladesh.

Size:

These birds are 33-36 cm long and weigh 66-80 g.

Habitat:

These birds are found in moist deciduous forests and tropical pine stands, generally preferring open woodlands, but are also found in farmland areas. They are present from sea level up to an altitude of 1.500 m.

Diet:

Plum-headed parakeets feed on seeds, figs and other fruits, nuts and flowers, particularly those of Salmalia, Butea and Bassia. They also eat pollen and leaf buds and are known to damage crops in fruit plantations and rice fields in some areas.

Breeding:

These birds can breed all year round, varying between different parts of their range. Pairs

excavate a hole in a tree or enlarge the holes of other birds, or sometimes use natural hollows in tree trunks or branches or even in crevices in buildings. There the female lays 4-6 white eggs which she incubates alone for 23-24 days. The chicks fledge 6-7 weeks after hatching.

Conservation:

IUCN status - LC (Least concern)

The plum-headed parakeet has a very large breeding range and is reported to be fairly common in Nepal and generally common in India. The population is suspected to be in decline owing to ongoing habitat destruction and is also commonly hunted or food and for the international pet trade.