Perico Frentiazul
Blue-crowned Parakeet
Thectocerus acuticaudatus
Song
Blue-crowned Parakeet
Appearance: Approximately 36 cm in length. Predominantly green with a distinctive blue crown on the head. The intensity of the blue can vary among individuals. They have a long, pointed tail and a white eye-ring. The beak is horn-colored, and their underwings are more yellowish.
Habitat: The Blue-crowned Parakeets inhabit a variety of environments such as savannas, open woodlands, forest edges, and sometimes urban areas. They are adaptable and can also be found in agricultural lands.
Behavior: These parakeets are highly social and often seen in flocks. They are known for their playful nature and loud calls. Their diet consists mainly of seeds, fruits, berries, and occasionally flowers and insects. They are vocal birds with a range of calls used for communication within flocks.
Breeding: Blue-crowned Parakeets nest in tree cavities or sometimes in cliffs. They may also use abandoned nests of other birds. The breeding season can vary depending on the region but often occurs in the dry season. They usually lay 3 to 5 eggs per clutch. Both parents participate in incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks.
Conservation Status: The Blue-crowned Parakeet is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.
Distribution
The Blue-crowned Parakeet is found in the eastern departments of Arauca, Meta, Vichada. The bird has been also reported in the north of the country called La Guajira.
Taxonomy
The Blue-crowned Parakeet (Thectocerus acuticaudatus)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Psittaciformes
- Family: Psittacidae
- Genus: Thectocerus
- Species: Thectocerus acuticaudatus
Vocalization
The Blue-crowned Parakeet is known for its vocalizations, which are typical of many parrot species. These birds are quite social and use a range of calls and sounds for communication. Here are some aspects of their vocalizations and their purposes:
Contact Calls: The Blue-crowned Parakeets use a series of loud, sharp calls to maintain contact with each other, especially when flying or foraging in groups. These calls help them stay connected and coordinate movements.
Alarm Calls: When they sense danger or a threat, such as a predator nearby, they emit loud, harsh alarm calls to warn other members of the flock.
Mating Calls: During the breeding season, these parakeets may use specific calls to attract mates and establish bonds.
Territorial Calls: They may use vocalizations to defend their territory from other birds, signaling that an area is occupied.
Social Interaction: Within flocks, vocalizations are used to establish social hierarchies, communicate needs, and engage in playful interactions. These can include a variety of chirps, squawks, and other sounds.
In captivity, Blue-crowned Parakeets can also mimic human speech and other sounds, although they are not as renowned for this ability as some other parrot species. Their vocalizations in a domestic setting can be a mix of natural calls and learned sounds, often used to interact with their human caretakers or express needs such as hunger or attention.
