Rufous-fronted Parakeet
Bolborhynchus ferrugineifrons
Plump parakeet found only at very high elevations in Colombia’s central Andes, where it is quite scarce. Plumage is nearly all green; the tiny patches of orange on its face and chin are only evident when the bird is seen well. Encountered in small flocks that feed in grassy and scrubby areas near tree line, including páramo and overgrown pastures. Gives soft, muted squawks in flight. Roosts and nests on cliffs.
Identification
This parakeet grows to a length of about 18 cm (7 in) and the sexes are similar. This is a robust, small species with dull green plumage above and bluish-green wings. The lores and a narrow band on the forehead are brownish-red, and the cheeks, throat, breast and belly are yellowish-green. The short, pointed tail is green above and bluish-green below. There is a grey ring round the eye, the iris is brown, the beak is yellowish-horn and the feet are grey.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Bolborhynchus ferrugineifrons
- Authority
- (Lawrence, 1880)
- Order
- Psittaciformes
- Family
- Psittacidae
- Genus
- Bolborhynchus
Range and habitat
The species is endemic to Colombia where it is found in two areas of the High Andes at altitudes between about 3,000 and 4,000 m (10,000 and 13,000 ft). The largest population is on the Volcán Ruiz-Tolima massif in the Central Cordillera but there is a smaller population on Puracé Volcano in the Cauca Department, and the bird's range may well include the intervening area. Its typical habitat is páramo, a high altitude grass and shrub ecosystem lying between the high snow-capped mountains and the montane forest below, and sub-páramo. It is also present in montane shrublands, and even agricultural land at high elevations.
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
The rufous-fronted parakeet is gregarious, forming small flocks of 10 to 100. It feeds mostly on the ground, eating grass seed, flowers and fruits. It roosts on cliffs and also nests there, but little is known of its reproductive habits.
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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Dysithamnus stictothorax
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Red-kneed Dotterel
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Graydidascalus brachyurus
Medium-sized, uniformly bright green parrot with a short tail. Note the indistinct black eye-line, the dusky bill, and the darker green flight feathers; other parrots have more colorful plumage and longer tails. Inhabits seasonally flooded forest along large rivers, occasionally venturing into adjacent urban areas.
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