Cotorra Coroniblanca
White-capped Parrot (Speckle-faced Parrot)
Pionus selinoides
Song
White-capped Parrot (Speckled-faced Parrot)
Appearance: The White-capped Parrot is a medium-sized parrot, measuring about 24 cm (9.5 in) in length. Plumage is green with a white patch on the forehead, which gives the species its name. The rest of the head is a bluish color. It has a stout, hooked beak common of parrots, and dark eyes. The wings and tail are also green, with some blue and red markings on the underwing coverts and tail feathers.
Habitat: This parrot inhabits humid lowland forests, forest edges, and secondary growth. It can be found in plantations and areas with tree cover.
Behavior: The diet of the White-capped Parrot consists mainly of fruits, seeds, berries, and flowers. They are known to forage in the canopy of forests. These parrots are seen in small flocks, although they may gather in larger groups at abundant food sources.
Breeding: The White-capped Parrot nests in tree cavities. They do not create their own nests but use natural cavities or those made by other animals. The breeding season varies by region but often coincides with the availability of food resources. Females lay 3 to 4 eggs, which are incubated for about 26 days.
Conservation Status: The White-capped Parrot is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.
Distribution
Caribbean Region: The white-capped parrot can be found in the northern parts of the country, in areas that are close to the Caribbean coast regions like the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and surrounding areas where forest habitats exist.
Andean Region: While less common, there may be sightings in the lower montane forests of the Andean region, especially in areas that are not too high in elevation and provide the necessary forest cover.
Magdalena Valley: This region, which is characterized by its riverine forests, may also host populations of the white-capped parrot, taking advantage of the diverse habitats along the Magdalena River.
Pacific Region: There could be occurrences in the Pacific lowlands, particularly in forested areas that provide the necessary resources for this species.
Taxonomy
The White-capped Parrot (Speckle-faced Parrot) (Pionus selinoides)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Psittaciformes
- Family: Psittacidae
- Genus: Pionus
- Species: Pionus selinoides
Vocalization
The White-capped Parrot is known for its quiet and gentle vocalizations compared to other parrot species. While not as loud or talkative as some parrots, they do have a range of sounds they make, including soft whistles, squawks, and chattering.
