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Photo: © Anthony Kaduck eBird S42317343 Macaulay Library ML83734361
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Brown-breasted Parakeet

Pyrrhura calliptera
Periquito Aliamarillo
map-colombia-brown-breasted-parakeet
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Song

Brown-breasted Parakeet

Appearance: The Brown-breasted Parakeet is relatively small, measuring about 23 cm in length. It has a brownish hue on its breast, which gives it its name. The rest of its plumage is green, with bright red patches on the wings and tail. Its head is a mix of green and brown, and it has a white or light-colored eye ring.
Habitat: This parakeet is endemic to Colombia.  It inhabits subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. It is found at elevations ranging from 1,700 to 3,400 m. in the eastern Andes of Colombia in the departments of Cundinamarca, Boyacá, and Santander.
Behavior: These parakeets are social birds, often seen in small flocks. They are known for their active and playful nature. Their diet mainly consists of fruits, seeds, flowers, and possibly small insects. They are known for their noisy and varied calls, which they use to communicate within flocks.
Breeding: The Brown-breasted Parakeet typically nests in tree cavities. They may use natural cavities or those excavated by other species. The breeding season coincides with the availability of food, which can vary depending on the region and climate conditions. They usually lay a small clutch of eggs, with the female primarily responsible for incubation.
Conservation Status: The Brown-breasted Parakeet is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN.

Distribution

The Brown-breasted Parakeet is mainly found on the eastern slopes of the Eastern Andes. This includes areas in the departments of Cundinamarca, Boyacá, Santander, and Norte de Santander. The parakeet inhabits montane forests at elevations typically ranging from 1,700 to 3,400 m above sea level. The brown-breasted parakeet's habitat consists of subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, and it is often associated with areas that have a rich diversity of flora. Unfortunately, the species is considered vulnerable due to habitat loss and fragmentation, primarily caused by agricultural expansion and deforestation.

Taxonomy

The Brown-breasted Parakeet (Pyrrhura calliptera)
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Aves (Birds)
  • Order: Psittaciformes
  • Family: Psittacidae
  • Genus: Pyrrhura
  • Species: Pyrrhura calliptera

Vocalization

Communication: Brown-breasted Parakeets use a range of calls to communicate with each other. These calls can include contact calls to maintain group cohesion, especially when flying or foraging.

Alarm Calls: They have specific alarm calls to alert other parakeets of potential threats or predators. These calls are usually sharp and loud to ensure they are heard over distances.

Mating Calls: During the breeding season, males may use specific vocalizations to attract females and establish territory. These calls can be more complex and varied compared to their regular calls.

Begging Calls: Juvenile parakeets often use distinct begging calls to solicit food from their parents.
Purpose

Territorial Defense: Calls are used to establish and defend territory from other parakeets or competing species. Vocalizations can signal the presence of an individual or a pair in a particular area.
Mate Attraction and Bonding: Vocalizations play a role in courtship and pair bonding. They help in attracting mates and reinforcing the bond between mated pairs.

Predator Avoidance: Alarm calls help in predator detection and avoidance, increasing the chances of survival for the individual and the flock.