Green-cheeked Parakeet

Overview

The green-cheeked parakeet (Pyrrhura molinae), also known as the green-cheeked conure in aviculture, is a species of bird in the family Psittacidae. It is assessed as being of Least Concern by the IUCN and is considered common across much of its range, though its population is believed to be decreasing.

Identification

• Size and Weight: 25 to 26 cm in length and weighs 62 to 81 g, with sexes being the same size.
• Plumage: Adults of the nominate subspecies feature dull brown foreheads and napes, green cheeks, ashy brown ear coverts, and a creamy white ring of bare skin around the eye.
• Markings: Upperparts are green, with scaly brown and whitish chin, throat, and neck sides; the belly is dull reddish while lower flanks and vent area are green.
• Voice: Flight calls comprise high-pitched, grating notes in fast series such as "krree krree krree"; perched birds may utter high-pitched, melodious notes like "rrekeet".

Habitat

Found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay, the species inhabits lowland woodlands, forest (chiefly deciduous), secondary forest, and gallery forest in lower elevations of the Pantanal and humid subtropical forest up to 2,000 m. Populations breeding in higher elevations move to lower ones during winter.

Diet

The green-cheeked parakeet maintains a varied diet in the wild, consisting primarily of fruits, seeds, and flowers, with lesser consumption of nectar and leaves.

Did you know?

These birds are known for having a "big personality in a small body" and are considered the quietest of the conures, making them suitable companions for apartment dwellers. In captivity, they can learn tricks such as lying on their backs, shaking, hanging upside down, and even minor tool use.