Periquito Bronceado
Orange-chinned Parakeet
Brotogeris jugularis
Song
Orange-chinned Parakeet
Appearance: The Orange-chinned Parakeet is a small parakeet, averaging about 21 cm in length. It is predominantly green, with distinctive features: The forehead and throat have a bright orange patch, which is the most distinguishing characteristic of this species. The wings are marked with dark blue feathers. They have a short, strong, orange beak that aids in cracking seeds. The tail is long and pointed, typically green with slight variations in hue.
Habitat: The Orange-chinned Parakeet inhabits a variety of environments, primarily: Lowland forests, secondary growth, and areas near human habitation. They are usually found in tropical and subtropical forests below 1,200 meters. In Colombia, they are primarily located in the northern and western parts of the country.
Behavior: These parakeets are social birds, commonly found in small to medium-sized flocks. Feeding Habits: They primarily feed on seeds, fruits, and flowers, often foraging in trees. Their strong beaks enable them to access various food types. They are known for their lively and varied calls, using different vocalizations for communication within flocks.
Breeding: The breeding season usually coincides with the rainy months. They nest in tree cavities or hollows. The female typically lays 3 to 5 eggs, which she incubates for about 21 days. Both parents participate in caring for the young, feeding them until they fledge, which occurs approximately 5 to 6 weeks after hatching.
Conservation Status: The Orange-chinned Parakeet is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.
Distribution
Andean Region: Departments: Antioquia, Caldas, Valle del Cauca and Tolima. Inhabits lower elevations of the Andes where tropical and subtropical forests occur. They may inhabit forest edges and near cultivated lands.
Caribbean Region: Departments: Córdoba and Sucre. Found in some forested areas as well as agricultural lands where patches of natural vegetation are intact.
Pacific Region: Departments: Chocó and surrounding areas. Present in humid tropical forests, especially in areas experiencing less human disturbance.
Taxonomy
The Orange-chinned Parakeet (Brotogeris jugularis)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Psittaciformes
- Family: Psittacidae
- Genus: Brotogeris
- Species: Brotogeris jugularis
Vocalization
Communication: Vocalizations facilitate communication among flock members, helping them maintain cohesion, especially when foraging or moving through dense vegetation. Different calls are used during interactions within the flock, such as greeting or playing, reinforcing social bonds among individuals.
Mating Calls: Males produce specific calls during the breeding season to attract females. These vocalizations signal their presence and health, playing a crucial role in courtship.
Alarm Calls: When perceiving threats from predators, Orange-chinned Parakeets emit alarm calls to alert other flock members, enhancing the group's chances of survival by prompting immediate evasive action.
Territorial Displays: Although generally social and less territorial, vocalizations can be used to assert dominance or defense of feeding areas during the breeding season or when interacting with rival flocks.
Parent-Offspring Communication: Vocalizations are crucial for interaction between parents and their chicks, aiding in feeding and encouraging young birds during their development.
