Barred Parakeet

Overview

The barred parakeet, also known as the lineolated parakeet or Catherine parakeet, is a small psittaciforme bird found in the highland forests of tropical Latin America. It is a calm species that is popular in aviculture for its quiet disposition and availability of various colour mutations.

Identification

• Approximately 16 cm in length with a weight of 42 to 52 grams.
• Mostly green plumage with black or dark green stripes on the upper-parts and olive-green lower-parts with very dark green stripes on the sides.
• Features a pale, peach-coloured (horn coloured) bill, dark brown irises, and pink legs.
• Males and females appear generally similar, though males may occasionally have more marked black stripes.

Habitat

Found in forests and mountains up to an elevation of roughly 3,300 m above sea level. The species has a disjunct distribution ranging from southern Mexico south through Panama, and in South America occurs in the Santa Marta Mountains, the Venezuelan Coastal Range, and the Andean foothills from western Venezuela to Peru and Bolivia.

Diet

Eats fruit, dried and germinated seeds, and insect larvae. They spend some time on the ground foraging but sleep high in the trees.

Did you know?

Unlike many birds, the barred parakeet typically rests in a near-horizontal position with its head almost in line with its tail. They are also tolerant of cold and have been observed taking snow baths.