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Photo: © Cris Heins eBird S57928050 Macaulay Library ML 170104991
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Golden-plumed Parakeet

Leptosittaca branickii
Perico Paramuno
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Song

Golden-plumed Parakeet

Appearance: The Golden-plumed Parakeet is a medium-sized parakeet, measuring 36 cm in length. It is characterized by its green plumage, with a distinctive golden-yellow streak or "plume" above its eyes, which gives the bird its name. The underparts are slightly lighter, and the wings and tail are long and pointed, aiding in agile flight. Its beak is strong and curved, common of parakeets.
Habitat: This parakeet inhabits montane cloud forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests at 1800 to 3400 m. it is found in the Andes, where it prefers areas with dense canopy cover, which provides ample food sources and nesting opportunities.
Behavior: Golden-plumed Parakeets are known for their social behavior, often seen in small flocks. They are active and vocal, communicating with a variety of calls and screeches. Their diet consists of fruits, seeds, and nuts, which they forage from the forest canopy. They play a crucial role in seed dispersal, contributing to the health and regeneration of their forest habitats.
Breeding: The breeding season for Golden-plumed Parakeets coincides with the rainy season, when food is abundant. They nest in tree cavities, often in large, mature trees. The female lays a clutch of 2 to 4 eggs, which she incubates while the male provides food. Both parents participate in feeding the chicks once they hatch.
Conservation Status: The Golden-plumed Parakeet is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN.

Distribution

Golden-plumed Parakeet is found in the lower Cordillera Central de los Andes, mainly, in the departments of Huila, Tolima, and Caldas.

Taxonomy

The Golden-plumed Parakeet (Leptosittaca branickii)
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Aves (Birds)
  • Order: Psittaciformes
  • Family: Psittacidae
  • Genus: Leptosittaca
  • Species: Leptosittaca branickii

Vocalization

Golden-plumed Parakeets are known for their loud, high-pitched calls, which are often described as screeches or squawks. These vocalizations serve several purposes:

Communication: The calls are an essential part of their social interactions, helping them maintain contact with flock members, especially in dense forest environments where visual contact might be limited.
Alarm Calls: They use specific calls to alert other members of the flock about potential threats or predators. This helps the group stay vigilant and respond quickly to danger.
Territorial Calls: Vocalizations can also be use to establish and defend territory, particularly during the breeding season when they are more protective of their nesting areas.

Mating Calls: During the breeding season, males may use calls to attract females and establish pair bonds.
Purpose

The Golden-plumed Parakeet's vocalizations are crucial for its survival and social structure. Beyond communication, these calls help in:

Navigation: In their dense forest habitats, vocalizations help parakeets navigate and stay together as a flock, reducing the risk of individuals getting lost.
Reproductive Success: Calls play a role in courtship and mating, ensuring the continuation of the species.

Social Cohesion: Regular vocal interactions help maintain social bonds within flocks, which can consist of family groups or larger aggregations.