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Photo: © Jorge Muñoz García CAQUETA BIRDING eBird S42530951 Macaulay Library ML 86667301
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Red-billed Parrot

Pionus sordidus
Cotorra Piquirroja
map-colombia-red-billed-parrot
bird-song-square

Song

Red-billed Parrot

Appearance: The Red-billed Parrot has predominantly green plumage, with a distinctive red bill that gives the species its name. The head and neck can have a bluish tint, and there may be red or maroon patches on the wings. Like other parrots, it has a strong, curved beak and zygodactyl feet (two toes facing forward and two backward), which aid in climbing and handling food.
Habitat: The Red-billed Parrot is found in the Andean regions of Colombia, as well as in other countries like Venezuela and Ecuador. It inhabits subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, often at elevations ranging from 200 to 2,400 meters (660 to 7,900 feet). It may also be found in degraded forests and secondary growth areas.
Behavior: This parrot primarily feeds on fruits, seeds, and flowers. It plays a role in seed dispersal, which is important for forest regeneration. These parrots are often seen in pairs or small flocks. They are social birds and may form larger groups, especially when feeding.
Breeding: It usually occurs in tree cavities. The availability of suitable nesting sites can influence their breeding success. Little specific information is available on their breeding habits, but like many parrots, they likely lay a small clutch of eggs (usually 2-4) and have a long incubation period.
Conservation Status: The Red-billed Parrot is classified as Least Concern in the IUCN. 

Distribution

Central Andes: This includes departments like Antioquia, Caldas, Quindío, Risaralda, and Tolima. The central Andes provide a suitable habitat with their cloud forests and subtropical conditions.

Eastern Andes: In departments such as Cundinamarca, Boyacá, and Santander, the red-billed parrot can be found in the montane forests of the eastern Andean slopes.

Western Andes: The western slopes of the Andes, covering parts of departments like Valle del Cauca and Cauca, also host populations of the red-billed parrot.

Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta: This isolated mountain range in northern Colombia is another region where these parrots are present, benefiting from the unique microclimates and diverse habitats.

Taxonomy

The Red-billed Parrot (Pionus sordidus)
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Aves (Birds)
  • Order: Psittaciformes
  • Family: Psittacidae
  • Genus: Pionus
  • Species: Pionus sordidus

Vocalization

The Red-billed Parrot, also known as the red-billed amazon is known for its vocalizations, which are typical of many parrot species. These birds are generally quite vocal and can produce a range of sounds including squawks, screeches, and other calls. Their vocalizations are often loud and can be heard over long distances, which is useful for communication in their natural habitat.
In the wild, Red-billed Parrots use their vocalizations for various purposes, such as signaling alarm, attracting mates, and maintaining social bonds within flocks. They may also mimic sounds from their environment, although they are not as renowned for mimicry as some other parrot species like the African grey parrot.