Brown-breasted Parakeet
Pyrrhura calliptera
This medium-sized parakeet is restricted to the eastern Andes of central Colombia. Like other species in the genus, it is mostly green with a pointed tail. Look for the reddish-brown neck and breast with a scaly pattern, a maroon tail, and a bright yellow patch on the forewing. Small flocks occur in cloud forest from 1,800 to 3,000 m. Often seen in flight, but perches in the canopy to feed on fruit.
Identification
A medium-sized parakeet, the brown-breasted parakeet measures 22–23 cm in length. The throat and upper breast are medium brown with light edges giving a scalloped appearance. The head of the bird is mostly greyish-brown with green cheeks and contrasting ear coverts that can appear reddish or brown. The eye has a prominent white orbital ring. The breast and belly are reddish brown, often with green shadings. The bird's back and most of its wing coverts are green, with bright yellow primary coverts and bluish primaries. The tail is dull red. In flight bright yellow and orange-red wing markings are evident, which explains the name flame-winged parakeet.
Taxonomy
The species was first formally described as Conurus callipterus in 1854 by the French ornithologist Charles de Souancé, after studying a specimen from the collection of his uncle, François Victor Massena, 3rd Duke of Rivoli.<p>The genus name Pyrrhura is derived from the Ancient Greek purrhos (red) and oura (tail). The species epithet calliptera is also from Ancient Greek: kallos (beauty) and pteros (winged).<p>The species is monotypic: no subspecies have been identified. The International Ornithologists' Union lists the species as flame-winged parakeet, the other four major taxonomic authorities refer to it as the brown-breasted parakeet.
- Scientific name
- Pyrrhura calliptera
- Authority
- (Massena & Souancé, 1854)
- Order
- Psittaciformes
- Family
- Psittacidae
- Genus
- Pyrrhura
Range and habitat
The brown-breasted parakeet is endemic to Colombia. Although its range was originally much larger, it is now only found in fragmented populations on the eastern slope of the Eastern Andes. It is known to be present in the departments of Boyacá, Cundinamarca, and Casanare, and possibly also in Meta, Santander, and Norte de Santander.<p>The species is found between 1700 and 3400masl in upper subtropical and temperate zone montane forests and forest edges, typically cloud forest, elfin forest, subpáramo and peatbog páramo. Populations are small and highly localized within this habitat.
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
It appears that the brown-breasted parakeet uses the strategy of Cooperative breeding, with groups of 4 to 9 birds involved in raising each clutch of chicks. These groups are made up of adult birds and juveniles, with the juveniles providing assistance while learning the skills they will need as adults.<p>The species uses tree cavities both for overnight roosting areas and for nesting. During the month of September nesting sites are selected, and mating occurs during September and October.<p>An average of 6.5 eggs are laid in each clutch. The eggs are whitish, measuring 20.9 - 22.1mm wide by 27.8 – 29 mm long. Incubation primarily occurs during October and November. The maturation period, from egg to fledged juvenile, takes 60–70 days and is complete by January of each year.<p>This species feeds on fresh and dried fruit, seeds, and parts of flowers from a wide variety of native plants, including species from the genera Critoniella, Espeletia, Solanaceae, Brunellia, Miconia among others. It is also seen, occasionally in large numbers, feeding on grass leaves and seeds in open areas. Brown-breasted parakeets have reportedly acquired a taste for cultivated maize crops, which brings them into conflict with farmers.
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Sooty-capped Puffbird
Bucco noanamae
Handsome puffbird endemic to the lowlands of northwestern Colombia. Note the sizeable bill and wide black breast band. Brown back and dark spots on the chest separate it from other similar puffbirds in range. Inhabits humid forest and mangroves, occasionally venturing into lighter woodland, and perches at low to medium heights. Song is a long series that starts out very fast and then slows down to a steady cadence: “do-wit, do-wit, do-wit…”
Fiji Parrotfinch
Erythrura pealii
A gorgeous small finch with a bright crimson face, rump, and tail. Body is green with a blue chest and a black throat. Common in forest edge, gardens, and scrubby park habitats. Uncommon in forest. Pink-billed Parrotfinch is similar, but pale pink bill and black face are diagnostic. Fiji’s voice is a thin high-pitched “cheee cheee cheee.”
American Goshawk
Astur atricapillus
Powerfully-built forest-dwelling hawk, scarce across much of range. Adults are distinctive if seen well: bulky and broad-winged, gray above and whitish below with fine barring, prominent pale eyebrow, and dark reddish eye. Immature very similar to Cooper's Hawk, but larger and more powerful, with broader wings and tail, usually more obvious pale eyebrow (but Cooper’s can have this, too!), and heavy streaking below extending onto undertail coverts. In most suburban areas, Cooper's is much more likely; goshawk typically requires extensive mature forest. Very aggressive around the nest. Feeds on large prey such as hares and grouse.
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