Periquito Aliblanco
White-winged Parakeet
Brotogeris versicolurus
Song
White-winged Parakeet
Appearance: The White-winged Parakeet is a small parakeet, measuring about 20 cm in length. It is characterized by vibrant green plumage with distinctive white wing patches that are prominent when in flight or perched. The head may have a yellowish or olive tint, and the beak is short and conical, typically orange or red in color. The tail is long, with some variation in coloring, and they have a generally robust appearance.
Habitat: The White-winged Parakeet inhabits tropical and subtropical forests, particularly in lower montane regions. In Colombia, it is commonly found in: Valleys and foothills of the Andes. Areas with dense vegetation, such as secondary growth forests, and edges of forest clearings. Prefers elevations between 600 and 2,000 meters above sea level.
Behavior: White-winged Parakeets are generally gregarious and often found in small to moderate-sized flocks. They engage in active and playful behavior, frequently observed foraging and climbing among branches. They are moderately vocal and produce a variety of chirps and whistles, especially during social interactions and foraging activities.
Breeding: Nesting: Breeding typically occurs in the rainy season. They nest in tree cavities or sometimes in bamboo hollows, where they lay 3-6 eggs. The incubation period lasts about 21 days, with both parents involved in caring for the eggs and feeding the chicks once they hatch. Young parakeets fledge approximately 5-7 weeks after hatching and are fed by parents for some time afterward.
Conservation Status: The White-winged Parakeet is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN.
Distribution
Amazon Region: Caquetá and Putumayo. Their presence is observed in humid tropical forests and their edges, often near water sources. They are generally less common in this region but can be seen in suitable habitats.
Taxonomy
The White-winged Parakeet (Brotogeris versicolurus)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Psittaciformes
- Family: Psittacidae
- Genus: Brotogeris
- Species: Brotogeris versicolurus
Vocalization
Communication: Vocalizations help maintain group cohesion within flocks. The calls allow members to stay connected while foraging or moving through the trees. Various calls are used during social behaviors, such as grooming or playing, reinforcing bonds between individuals.
Mating Calls: In the breeding season, males may produce specific calls to attract females. These vocalizations can signal readiness to mate and demonstrate health and vitality.
Alarm Calls: When detecting potential threats, such as predators, White-winged Parakeets emit alarm calls to alert other members of the flock. This behavior enhances group survival by prompting immediate responses to danger.
Territorial Defense: While not strongly territorial, vocalizations can be used to assert dominance or deter rivals from encroaching on feeding areas, especially during breeding periods.
Parent-Offspring Communication: Vocalizations are essential in interactions between parents and their chicks, guiding and encouraging young birds, particularly during the critical feeding periods.
