Caica Parrot

Overview

The caica parrot (Pyrilia caica) is a species of parrot belonging to the family Psittacidae. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, with an estimated population of 250,000 mature individuals.

Identification

• Adults possess a brownish black head with bare gray skin around the eye.
• A distinctive fulvous or golden collar on the hindneck features dark feather edges, creating a scaly appearance.
• The body is primarily green, with olive-brown throats and upper breasts, and dull blue primary coverts and tail tips.
• The flight call is described as a peculiarly nasal, horn-like call, sounding as a single 'kyow' or multi-noted variations like 'kra.kree ... kyow'.

Habitat

Found in eastern Venezuela, the Guianas, and Brazil, this species occurs almost entirely in mature terra firme forest. It generally shuns flooded and secondary forests and ranges in elevation up to 1,100 m.

Diet

Little is known about the caica parrot's foraging behaviour, but it has been observed feeding on seeds and fruits.

Did you know?

The caica parrot was previously classified in the genus Pionopsitta alongside the pileated parrot before being moved to its current genus in the early 21st century.