Plum-crowned Parrot

Overview

The plum-crowned parrot (Pionus tumultuosus), also known as the plum-crowned pionus, is a species of bird in the family Psittacidae. It is currently assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN, although its population is believed to be decreasing despite having a fairly large range.

Identification

• Length of 29 to 30 cm with a weight of approximately 229 g.
• Adults feature a plum forehead and crown, with a dull purple face, throat, and breast flecked with plum pink.
• Back, wings, and belly are green, with red undertail coverts and a green tail that has blue outer feathers.
• Pale yellowish horn-colored bill, dark iris with grayish skin around it, and gray legs and feet.
• Flight call is a low, harsh 'crrah', accompanied by various nasal conversational calls when perched.

Habitat

Found on the east side of the Andes, ranging from the Department of Huánuco in central Peru east through Bolivia into the Santa Cruz Department. It inhabits humid subtropical forest and cloudforest, especially areas with bamboo, and occasionally visits nearby agricultural areas. Elevation typically ranges between 2,000 and 3,300 m.

Diet

Little is known about its foraging behavior or diet, but it feeds on fruits, including those of Turpinia paniculata and members of the family Clusiaceae. It also feeds in maize fields.

Did you know?

Although its breeding biology in the wild is unknown, it is assumed to nest in tree cavities, similar to other members of its genus. In captivity, its clutch size is four eggs with an incubation period of about 26 days.