Loro Orejiamarillo
Yellow-eared Parrot
Ognorhynchus icterotis
Song
Yellow-eared Parrot
Appearance: The Yellow-eared Parrot is a large parrot, measuring about 42 cm (16.5 in) in length. It has green plumage. Its most characteristic feature is the bright yellow patch of feathers around its ears, which gives the bird its name. The bird also has a yellow forehead and underparts, with a strong, hooked bill typical of parrots.
Habitat: The Yellow-eared Parrot inhabits the montane cloud forests of the Andes at elevations between 1,200 and 3,400 m. It is closely associated with the wax palm (Xeroxylon quindiuense) which it relies on for nesting and feeding.
Behavior: The diet mainly consists of fruits, seeds, and flowers, with a strong preference for the fruits of the wax palm. These parrots are social birds, often seen in flocks. They are known for their loud calls and are highly vocal. They are strong fliers, often seen gliding above the forest canopy.
Breeding: Yellow-eared Parrots nest in the cavities of wax palms. The decline in these trees has historically impacted their breeding success. Breeding seasons are influenced by the availability of food, particularly the fruiting of wax palms.
Conservation Status: The Yellow-eared Parrot is listed as Endangered on the IUCN.
Distribution
Yellow-eared Parrot is found in the three branches that are present in the country reaching elevations of 3,400 m. Not found in the Amazon and Orinoco basins or the coast regions of both Pacific and Atlantic oceans.
Taxonomy
The Yellow-eared Parrot (Ognorhynchus icterotis)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Psittaciformes
- Family: Psittacidae
- Genus: Ognorhynchus
- Species: Ognorhynchus icterotis
Vocalization
The Yellow-eared Parrot is known for its vocalizations, which play an essential role in its social behavior and communication.
These parrots are highly social birds, often found in flocks, and their vocalizations help them maintain group cohesion, coordinate movements, and establish social bonds. Vocalization characteristics:
Types of Calls: The Yellow-eared Parrot produces a variety of calls, including loud, resonant squawks and softer, more melodic chirps. These sounds can vary in pitch and intensity depending on the context.
Purpose
Communication: The vocalizations are used to communicate with other members of their flock, signaling their location, alerting others to potential threats, or coordinating flight movements.
Mating and Breeding: During the breeding season, vocalizations may become more frequent and complex as part of courtship behavior, helping to attract mates and establish breeding pairs.
Territoriality: Calls can also serve to establish and defend territory, warding off potential intruders or competitors.
