Red-masked Parakeet

Overview

The red-masked parakeet, also known as the cherry-headed conure, is a medium-sized parrot native to Ecuador and Peru. It is popular in aviculture and is considered the best talker of all conure species.

Identification

• Bright green plumage with a mostly red head and a conspicuous elongated pale eye-ring.
• Average length is 33 centimetres, with the tail comprising half of that length.
• Red colouration is present on the lesser and median underwing coverts, the neck, the thighs, and the leading edge of the wings.
• Call is two-syllabled, harsh, and loud.

Habitat

Native to southwestern Ecuador and northwestern Peru, where they primarily inhabit jungle and deciduous forest, though they can also thrive in semiarid and suburban regions. They are usually found below 1,500 metres above sea level, although they can live up to 2,500 metres. Feral populations have established themselves in parts of the United States, Spain, and Hawaii.

Diet

Feral populations are observed feeding on fruits and flowers, often nesting in palm trees. No specific information is provided regarding the foraging habits of wild populations in their native range.

Did you know?

These birds are so popular as pets that they have established feral breeding populations in major US cities such as San Francisco and Los Angeles, as well as in Spain and Hawaii.