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Photo: © Jon Iratzagorria eBird S57090625 Macaulay Library ML 162704781
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Cobalt-winged Parakeet

Brotogeris cyanoptera
Periquito Aliazul
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Song

Cobalt-winged Parakeet

Appearance: The Cobalt-winged Parakeet is a small parakeet, approximately 21 cm in length. Vibrant green overall, with cobalt blue wing feathers that are more pronounced when the bird is in flight. The head is a lighter green, and it may have an olive tint. They have a short, conical orange beak suited for cracking seeds. The tail is long and pointed.
Habitat: The Cobalt-winged Parakeet prefers tropical and subtropical moist forests. Often found in lowland rainforests, secondary growth, and edges of forests. They thrive in areas with abundant food sources at elevations between sea level and about 1000 m.
Behavior: These parakeets are seen in small to medium-sized flocks, showcasing a gregarious nature. Their diet mainly consists of seeds, fruits, and flowers, which they forage from trees and shrubs. They are known for their lively and varied calls, used for communication with flock members and during social interactions.
Breeding: Breeding occurs in the rainy season. They nest in tree cavities or hollows, providing protection for their eggs. The female lays 3 to 5 eggs, which she incubates for about 21 days. Both parents are involved in feeding and caring for the chicks, which fledge around 5 to 7 weeks after hatching.

Conservation Status: The Cobalt-winged Parakeet is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. 

Distribution

Amazon Region: Amazonas, Caquetá, and Putumayo. Inhabits lowland tropical forests and areas of secondary growth, particularly in humid environments.

Eastern Plains: Departments, Meta, Guaviare, Vichada, Guainía and Vaupés

Taxonomy

The Cobalt-winged Parakeet (Brotogeris cyanoptera)
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Aves (Birds)
  • Order: Psittaciformes
  • Family: Psittacidae
  • Genus: Brotogeris
  • Species: Brotogeris cyanoptera

Vocalization

Mating Calls: During the breeding season, males use specific vocalizations to attract females, signaling their health and fitness. These calls can play a significant role in courtship and mate selection.

Alarm Calls: Cobalt-winged Parakeets emit alarm calls when they detect potential threats, such as predators. These calls alert other flock members, facilitating a quick and coordinated response to danger.
Territorial Behavior: While they are mostly social and not highly territorial, vocalizations may be used to assert dominance or defend feeding areas, especially during the breeding season.

Communication: Vocalizations are also crucial in interactions between parents and their chicks, aiding in feeding and guiding their young during the fledging period.