maroon-tailed-parakeet-1600
Photo: © Luke Seitz eBird S36257996 Macaulay Library ML 55724621
maroon-tailed-parakeet

Maroon-tailed Parakeet

Pyrrhura melanura
Periquito Colirrojo
map-colombia-maroon-tailed-parakeet
bird-song-square

Song

Maroon-tailed Parakeet

Appearance:  About 22 to 25 cm (8.7 to 9.8 in) in length.  Predominantly green plumage with a distinctive maroon or reddish-brown tail, which gives the species its name. It may also have a hint of maroon on the wings. Often have a whitish or buff-colored face with a dark line running from the beak through the eye. Beak is dark, usually black or grayish. 
Habitat: Found in the Andean regions and lowland forests of Colombia. Prefers humid forests, including both primary and secondary forests, and can also be found in forest edges and clearings. Inhabits areas from lowlands up to about 1,500 m (4,900 ft) above sea level.
Behavior:  Highly social birds that are often seen in small flocks.  Feeds on a variety of fruits, seeds, and possibly flowers and nectar. Known for being quite vocal, with a range of calls used for communication within flocks.
Breeding: Likely nests in tree cavities, like many parrot species. Specific breeding habits in the wild are not well-documented, but captive breeding suggests they lay a clutch of 3 to 6 eggs. The female typically incubates the eggs for about 23 to 26 days.
Conservation Status: The Maroon-tailed Parakeet is classified as Least Concern globally on the IUCN.

Distribution

This bird has been reported in the departments of Hula, west of Meta, and northern Caquetá.

Taxonomy

The Maroon-tailed Parakeet (Pyrrhura melanura)
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Aves (Birds)
  • Order: Psittaciformes
  • Family: Psittacidae
  • Genus: Pyrrhura
  • Species: Pyrrhura melanura

Vocalization

Appearance: This parakeet measures about 22 to 25 cm (8.7 to 9.8 in) in length. It has a green plumage with a distinctive maroon or reddish-brown tail, which gives the bird its name. The wings may have some blue and yellowish tones.
The head is usually green, with some species exhibiting a slight brownish crown or ear patch. The beak is relatively small and dark, and the eyes are surrounded by white eye-rings.