Red-fan Parrot

Overview

The red-fan parrot, also known as the hawk-headed parrot, is a New World parrot and the sole member of the genus Deroptyus. It inhabits the Amazon rainforest and is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, though it is protected under CITES Appendix II.

Identification

• Possesses elongated neck feathers that can be raised to form an elaborate fan, greatly increasing the bird's apparent size.
• Features a dark brown face with white streaks and a bare black patch surrounding the brown eye.
• Displays green wings, flanks and tail, contrasted with a red and blue barred breast.

Habitat

Found in undisturbed forest across Brazil, Suriname, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, areas of northeast Peru, Venezuela, French Guiana and Guyana. It generally lives in the canopy of these regions.

Diet

Feeds in the canopy on fruits.

Did you know?

The genus name Deroptyus combines the Ancient Greek words for 'neck' and 'fan', while the specific epithet accipitrinus derives from Latin meaning 'hawk-like', referencing its head shape.