Rusty-faced Parrot

Overview

The Hapalopsittaca amazonina, commonly known as the rusty-faced parrot, is a Near Threatened species of bird belonging to the family Psittacidae. This small parrot is native to the Andean regions of Colombia and Venezuela, with its presence in Ecuador considered hypothetical.

Identification

• Approximately 23 cm (9.1 in) in length, weighing between 97 and 115 g.
• Adults feature a dull orange-red forehead and crown, yellow lores, and an orange-red chin, with brownish-red ear coverts streaked in yellow.
• Upperparts are green with a red shoulder, while underparts are grass green with a buffy olive breast.
• Flight calls consist of a repeated strident and loud "creek!", while perched birds may emit piercing calls like "creenk!" or "shreeank".

Habitat

The species primarily inhabits very wet cloudforest, typically found at elevations between 2,500 and 3,000 m, though records exist from as low as 1,500 m to as high as 3,500 m. Its range encompasses the Andes of Colombia and western Venezuela, with one subspecies specifically recorded in areas reforested with Alnus acuminata alder.

Diet

The rusty-faced parrot feeds on seeds and fruits, including those from the genus Clusia and mistletoes.

Did you know?

Nothing is currently known about the breeding biology of the Hapalopsittaca amazonina.