Caica Parrot
Pyrilia caica
Medium-sized, uncommon rainforest parrot. Combination of green body, brown collar, and black head is unique in range. Also occurs in lower-stature forests with sandy soils. Flies fast and low; usually seen rocketing past in small groups, through the forest canopy or just above it, disappearing quickly; odd, nasal calls are often heard just before such appearances. Like other parrots, forages on fruit and flowers in forest canopy.
Identification
The caica parrot is 23 to 25 cm (9.1 to 9.8 in) long and weighs 121 to 143 g (4.3 to 5.0 oz). Adults have a brownish black head with bare gray skin around the eye. They have a fulvous or golden collar on their hindneck; dark feather edges give it a scaly appearance. Their throat and upper breast are olive-brown and the rest of their body is green. Their primary coverts are dull blue, their primaries are blackish, and their tail feathers have dull blue tips. Immature birds have mostly green heads with a duller collar.
Taxonomy
The caica parrot and the other six members of genus Pyrilia were until the early 21st century included in genus Pionopsitta with the pileated parrot (P. pileata). The caica parrot is monotypic.
- Scientific name
- Pyrilia caica
- Authority
- (Latham, 1790)
- Order
- Psittaciformes
- Family
- Psittacidae
- Genus
- Pyrilia
Range and habitat
The caica parrot is found from eastern Venezuela through the Guianas into Brazil's Amapá state and south in Brazil to the Amazon River. It occurs almost entirely in mature terra firme forest, generally shunning flooded and secondary forests. In elevation it ranges up to 1,100 m (3,600 ft).
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
The caica parrot's movements, if any, are not known.<p>Little is known about the caica parrot's foraging behavior or diet. It has been observed feeding on seeds and fruits.<p>The caica parrot breeds between November and January in French Guiana; data are lacking for its breeding season elsewhere. The single known nest was in a tree cavity about 10 m (33 ft) above the ground.<p>The caica parrot's flight call is described as "a peculiarly nasal, horn-like call, either a single “kyow”, a double-noted “kra ... kyow” or triple-noted “kra.kree ... kyow”." It also "utters a wider variety of short nasal yelps and squeaking notes" when perched.
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
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