Dusky Parrot

Overview

The dusky parrot, also known as the dusky pionus, is a medium-sized parrot in the genus Pionus native to northern South America. Classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, this species is characterised by its predominantly dark plumage and restricted distribution in humid lowland forests.

Identification

• Approximately 24 cm in length with an overall dark brownish-gray appearance that may look black in poor light.
• Features a medium-wide gray eye-ring that often fades to white in captivity, alongside a splay of cream-white feathers on the upper neck.
• Displays a pinkish-red tinge on the belly, red undertail coverts, and blue remiges and tail with a red base.

Habitat

This species inhabits humid lowland forests across northern South America, with its range centred on the Guiana countries, the Guiana Shield, and the northeastern Amazon Basin. The range is limited on the west by the Orinoco River in Venezuela, where the bird lives on the eastern side, and includes a small disjunct population west of Lake Maracaibo on the Colombia-Venezuela border.

Did you know?

Unlike many other parrot species, the dusky parrot is not known for talking extensively but is capable of learning between 10 and 20 words.