White-winged Parakeet
Brotogeris versicolurus
Small bright green parakeet, with striking white-and-yellow pattern on wings, visible in flight. Long, pointed tail. Bill and legs dull pinkish. White eyering. Native to South America; established populations exist in southern Florida and southern California. Usually found in small flocks in wooded or suburban areas. Listen for harsh, high-pitched calls.
Identification
The white-winged parakeet typically is 22 cm in length, and is mostly green in color. It has a trailing yellow edge on its folded wings. Its most distinguished characteristic is the white wing patches most noticed when the bird is in flight. It is closely related to the yellow-chevroned parakeet, and the two have often been considered conspecific.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Brotogeris versicolurus
- Authority
- (Müller, PLS, 1776)
- Order
- Psittaciformes
- Family
- Psittacidae
- Genus
- Brotogeris
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
In captivity, these are charming birds that often have a close relationship with their human handlers. They enjoy spending time in physical contact with their owners, often riding around on shoulders or nesting in hair. They can have loud calls when not within sight of their "flock", but are generally quiet, otherwise. They are adept climbers and enjoy a myriad of challenges. They are a very adaptable species and are less picky than others about their available food options. They are not the strongest talkers, but are adept whistlers.<p>The white-winged parakeet feeds mostly on fruit and seeds in its native habitat, and feral populations have adapted to take in blossoms and nectar. Feral birds also come to bird feeders. Wild birds primarily use disturbed forest and forest clearings around settlements. They rarely use deep tropical forest.<p>In captivity, a pelleted or seed diet is acceptable, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables and freshly sprouted seeds.<p>The white-winged parakeet usually finds a hole in a tree in which to nest. It may also take over termite tunnels and excavate them for their own purposes.<p>Clutches usually consist of three to five white eggs, which hatch after about 26 days of incubation. Young fledge between six and seven weeks of age, and are fully weaned around nine weeks. After raising their young, all birds form rather large communal roosts until the next breeding season.
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Tiny Hawk
Microspizias superciliosus
Well-named, this is truly a small hawk, although size can be difficult to judge. Look for fine barring on the underparts, darker cap, and relatively short tail. Adults are gray, juveniles warmer rufous. Lacks a conspicuous collar wrapping around the neck, as in Semicollared Hawk. Not frequently seen; often stays inside forests, where it hunts small birds. Sometimes perches at the forest edge. Almost always seen singly.
African Dusky Flycatcher
Muscicapa adusta
A small, dumpy, buff-brownish flycatcher with a pale throat, a short eyebrow in front of the eye, a mostly plain crown, and indistinct mottling on the breast. It prefers thicker woodland and the edges of evergreen and riverine forest, perching at lower and middle levels and sallying to catch insects, or occasionally sitting on the ground. High-pitched “tzeet” and “tsirit” calls often betray its presence. The similar migrant Spotted Flycatcher has a longer tail and wings than the African Dusky Flycatcher, and it also has distinct streaking on the crown. The Gambaga Flycatcher is paler and mostly restricted to arid woodland.
Black-thighed Grosbeak
Pheucticus tibialis
Large-billed bird with yellow head, body, and black back and wings. Look for massive triangular bill and obvious white patch on wing. Sexes similar. Found in open wooded areas like forest edges, second growth, and gardens. Usually seen singly or in pairs.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.