Nanday Parakeet

Overview

The nanday parakeet, also known as the black-hooded parakeet or nanday conure, is a medium-small, mostly green Neotropical parrot native to continental South America. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Length of 27–30 cm and weight of approximately 140 g.
• Mostly green plumage with a distinguishing black facial mask and beak.
• Black trailing flight feathers on the wings and a long tail edged in blue at the end.
• Bluish-green upper chest, paler green lower chest, and red feathers covering the thighs.

Habitat

Native to South America from southeast Bolivia to southwest Brazil, central Paraguay, and northern Argentina, particularly the Pantanal region. Wild birds primarily use scrub forest and forest clearings around settlements, as well as open savannah, pastures, and stockyards. Established self-sustaining feral populations exist in Israel, Tenerife, and several areas in the United States, including parts of California, Texas, and Florida.

Diet

Feeds on seeds, fruit, palm nuts, berries, flowers, and buds. Feral birds also visit bird feeders. In South America, they frequent open areas and are considered pests in some regions.

Did you know?

Although the longest verified lifespan is 18.7 years, there are reports of nanday parakeets living for 30 years in captivity.