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Photo: © Daniel Orozco Montoya eBird S41821460 Macaulay Library ML 167911551
barred-parakeet

Barred Parakeet

Bolborhynchus lineola
Periquito Barrado
map-colombia-barred-parakeet
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Song

Barred Parakeet

Appearance: The Barred Parakeet is characterized by its vibrant green plumage, which can sometimes appear yellowish. It has distinct barring on its wings and tail, giving it its name. The head may display a slightly blue tint, and the beak is typically orange. The size is relatively small, averaging about 25 cm in length.

Habitat: This species is primarily found in subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and montane forests. In Colombia, Barred Parakeets inhabit areas with dense vegetation, including secondary growth and edges of forests. They are often found at elevations between 1,000 to 2,500 meters.
Behavior: Barred Parakeets are social birds, often seen in small to medium-sized flocks. They are known for their playful behavior and active foraging habits, primarily feeding on seeds, fruits, and flowers. Their vocalizations are a series of short, high-pitched calls, which they use to communicate with each other.
Breeding: The breeding season usually occurs during the rainy months, with nests constructed in tree hollows. The female typically lays around 3-5 eggs, which both parents help incubate. The incubation period lasts around 21-24 days, and the young fledge approximately 6-8 weeks after hatching.

Conservation Status: The Barred Parakeet is classified as "Least Concern" by the IUCN.

Distribution

Andean Region: Departments: Antioquia, Caldas, Quindío, Risaralda, Tolima, and Valle del Cauca. Found in subtropical moist forests and montane areas, especially in coffee-growing regions.

Orinoquía Region: Departments: Parts of Meta and Llanos Orientales, although primarily confined to forested patches.

Taxonomy

The Barred Parakeet (Bolborhynchus lineola)
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Aves (Birds)
  • Order: Psittaciformes
  • Family: Psittacidae
  • Genus: Bolborhynchus
  • Species: Bolborhynchus lineola

Vocalization

Communication: Vocalizations help maintain group cohesion, especially in flocks. They facilitate communication about movement and location among birds. Calls are used during social interactions within the flock, strengthening social bonds among individuals.

Mating Calls: During the breeding season, males may use specific calls to attract females and assert their presence, showcasing their health and vitality.
Territorial Signaling: While Barred Parakeets are generally social and live in flocks, they may use vocalizations to establish dominance or defend their territory against other flocks or individuals.

Alarm Calls: These parakeets emit warning calls to alert others in the flock to potential threats, such as predators, enabling them to take evasive action.