Golden-winged Parakeet

Overview

The golden-winged parakeet (Brotogeris chrysoptera) is a species of parrot found in South and Central America. It is currently assessed as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN, with a large range across several countries, although its population size is believed to be decreasing.

Identification

• Approximately 16 cm in length with a body weight of 47 to 80 g, the bird is almost entirely green.
• The nominate subspecies features a brownish frontal band above the bill, an orange-brown chin spot, and bright orange primary coverts.
• Common vocalisations include high-pitched "klee", shrill "chree", or bisyllabic "chree-chree" calls, as well as fast chattering series of "cra-cra-cra-cra".

Habitat

The species inhabits undisturbed lowland rainforest, secondary forest, savanna, and coastal woodlands, and can even be found in towns where tall trees are present. North of the Orinoco River in Venezuela, it inhabits cloudforest at elevations up to 1,200 m. Its range covers Bolivia, Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, and Venezuela.

Diet

The golden-winged parakeet feeds primarily on flowers and nectar from a wide variety of plant families. It also consumes seeds, berries, palm fruits, as well as insects and snails found in still water.

Did you know?

Flocks of golden-winged parakeets in flight often call simultaneously, creating a cacophony of sound. The genus name Brotogeris is derived from Ancient Greek meaning "with human voice", while the specific epithet chrysoptera means "golden-winged".