Perico del Chocó
Choco Parakeet subsp.
Pyrrhura (melanura) pacifica
Song
Choco Parakeet (subsp.)
Appearance: The Choco Parakeet is a small to medium-sized parakeet, 23 cm in length. It has green plumage with a maroon tail, which is characteristic of the species. The subspecies may have slight variations in coloration, but follows the pattern of the Maroon-tailed Parakeet. It has a brownish-red patch on the belly and a maroon patch on the tail. The face may have a slight blue or grayish tint.
Habitat: The Choco Parakeet is found in the Chocó region, which spans parts of western Colombia and extends into Ecuador. It inhabits humid lowland and montane forests, often at elevations ranging from 250 to 1750 m. These parakeets are found in primary and secondary forests, including forest edges and clearings.
Behavior: Choco Parakeets are social birds, often seen in small flocks. They are known for their active and noisy behavior. The diet consists of fruits, seeds, nuts, berries, and flowers. They forage both in the canopy and at mid-levels of the forest. They are vocal birds, using a variety of calls to communicate with each other when in flight or feeding.
Breeding: The breeding season for the Choco Parakeet occurs during the dry season, although exact timing can vary by location. They nest in tree cavities, often in tall trees. The female lays a clutch of 3-5 eggs. Both parents participate in incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks once they hatch. The chicks fledge several weeks after hatching.
Conservation status: While the specific subspecies might not be individually assessed, the Maroon-tailed Parakeet subspecies as a whole is considered to be of Least Concern by the IUCN.
Distribution
This subspecies of the Choco Parakeet is not found in the Chocó region of Colombia but they are found down south in the departments of Nariño and west Putumayo in the border with Ecuador.
Taxonomy
The Choco Parakeet (subsp.) (Pyrrhura (melanura) pacifica)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Psittaciformes
- Family: Psittacidae
- Genus: Pyrrhura
- Species: Pyrrhura melanura
- Subspecie: pacifica
Vocalization
Here are some key aspects of its vocalizations and their purposes:
Communication: Vocalizations are a primary means of communication among Choco Parakeets. They use a range of calls to convey information about food sources, potential threats, and their location to other members of their group.
Social Interaction: These parakeets are social birds that often live in flocks. Their vocalizations help maintain social bonds and coordinate group activities, such as foraging and moving from one location to another.
Mating and Reproduction: During the breeding season, vocalizations can play a role in courtship and attracting mates. Males may use calls to demonstrate their fitness and appeal to potential mates.
Territorial Behavior: Although less aggressive than some other bird species, Choco Parakeets may use vocalizations to establish and defend their territory, warning off intruders or rivals.
Alarm Calls: When a predator is spotted, these parakeets will issue alarm calls to alert other members of the flock. This helps the group take evasive action to avoid danger.
Vocalizations of the Choco Parakeet are integral to their survival and social structure, facilitating communication and interaction within their environment.
