White-winged Parakeet

Overview

The white-winged parakeet (Brotogeris versicolurus), also known as the canary-winged parakeet, is a small parrot native to the Amazon River basin. It has established self-sustaining feral populations in various locations outside its native range, including parts of the United States and Peru.

Identification

• Typically 22 cm in length with mostly green plumage.
• Features a trailing yellow edge on its folded wings.
• Most distinguished by white wing patches that are prominent when the bird is in flight.

Habitat

Native to the Amazon River basin from southeast Colombia to the river mouth in Brazil. In the wild, the species primarily uses disturbed forest and forest clearings around settlements rather than deep tropical forest. Feral populations exist in Lima, Peru; Los Angeles and Miami in the United States; and Puerto Rico.

Diet

Feeds mostly on fruit and seeds in its native habitat, while feral populations have adapted to consume blossoms, nectar, and food from bird feeders. The species is adaptable and less picky about food options than other parrots.

Did you know?

In captivity, these birds enjoy physical contact with their owners, often riding on shoulders or nesting in their hair. They are adept whistlers but are not considered the strongest talkers.