Black-capped Parakeet

Overview

The black-capped parakeet, also known as the black-capped conure or rock conure, is a parrot species native to the south-western Amazon Basin and adjacent east Andean slopes in Peru, Bolivia and Brazil. It is a highly social bird that typically lives in humid forests and is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Approximately 25 cm in total length, with predominantly green plumage.
• Features off-white scalloping on the hindneck and breast, along with red primary coverts.
• The subspecies P. r. sandiae is distinguished by narrower scalloped feathers on the neck and breast and a lack of scalloped feathers on the hindneck.

Habitat

This species inhabits humid forests ranging from Amazonian lowlands up to an altitude of 1000 m on the east Andean slopes. Its range extends across Peru, Bolivia and the western regions of Brazil, though it faces habitat loss due to deforestation in the Amazon Basin.

Diet

In the wild, these birds forage in the canopy, consuming a variety of fruits, nuts, berries and vegetation. They may also raid farmers' crops and occasionally subsist on nectar and insects when other food sources are scarce.

Did you know?

The black-capped parakeet can mate with the green-cheeked parakeet to produce hybrid offspring, a phenomenon that can occur even in the wild.