Bald Parrot
Pyrilia aurantiocephala
A most remarkable parrot with an entirely bare orange head and nape. Note the bright orange shoulder patch and in flight the red underwings. Occurs in humid forests, including those on white-sand forests. In flight gives nasal, high-pitched “skee-skee-skee” notes.
Identification
The bald parrot is a medium-small, overall green parrot with a bald, brownish-orange head. As several other members of the genus Pyrilia, it has red underwing coverts that barely are visible when perched, but highly conspicuous in flight. The bald parrot communicates with sounds that consist of a high pitched "skee-skee-skee" and a rolling slightly nasal of a "chow-chow-chow". Their diet includes flowers, seeds, fruits, and insects. This medium-sized bird is known for its bare skin and orange head. It has the complexion of intensely orange skin, a paler and more yellow color around the eye, black(ish) coloring around the neck, a mostly green lower neck, light yellow tint to the green wings, and tinged with blue on the lower belly. The unique coloring and baldness of this parrot's head give it its name.
Taxonomy
This parrot was initially believed to be a juvenile of the vulturine parrot due to the orange coloration of its bald head as opposed to the black of the vulturine. However, when it was discovered that the individuals were sexually mature, they were described as a new species. In reality, juveniles of both species have feathered, greenish heads quite unlike those of the adults. It was formerly placed in the genus Pionopsitta, which is now monotypic.
- Scientific name
- Pyrilia aurantiocephala
- Authority
- (Gaban-Lima, Raposo, M & Höfling, 2002)
- Order
- Psittaciformes
- Family
- Psittacidae
- Genus
- Pyrilia
Range and habitat
Bald parrots can be found in the humid tropical lowlands spreading throughout the Lower River Madeira and Upper River Tapajós and River Teles Pires, in central Brazil.
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
The bald parrot flocks among other parrots, with a population size of 6,700; however, it is decreasing, as the bald parrot continues to be a rare sight for those who can catch a glimpse due to the impact of deforestation in its native habitat. Although 6,700 refers to the estimated number of mature parrots present, an estimated 10,000 Bald Parrots equate to the total population of their species.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Chestnut-flanked White-eye
Zosterops erythropleurus
The most migratory of the Asian white-eyes, this minute bird breeds in the boreal woodlands of far northeastern China and Russia and winters in southern China and northern Southeast Asia. Frequently migrates in immense flocks and can often be seen in gatherings of thousands on headlands and islands. Bright yellow-green upper body, white underparts, and striking white eye ring give this species the general white-eye look, but the broad brush-stroke of rufous on the flanks distinguishes it from similar species. Vocalizations consist largely of high, sweet, rising “sweee”s.
Pangani Longclaw
Macronyx aurantiigula
A large and relatively colorful member of the pipit family with a black necklace, a yellow-orange throat, a yellow breast, and whitish sides with long streaks. The white corners of the dark tail are conspicuous during its weak, fluttering flight. Found in grassland with some bushes and trees. Similar to Yellow-throated Longclaw, though there is only minor overlap in range; orange-throated birds are easily identified, but some individuals have a yellow throat, and these can be separated by their paler and much more heavily streaked flanks. Brownish immatures can be confused with pipits, but are larger and more robust. Not very vocal, but gives a high-pitched whistle and a simple song of doubled phrases.
Hooded Cuckooshrike
Coracina longicauda
A large, fairly long-tailed bird of montane forest canopy. Pale gray plumage with black flight feathers and tail. Male has a full black hood and upper chest, while the female has just a black face and throat. Similar to Black-faced Cuckooshrike but should be separated by habitat and elevation. Voice, repeated, loud, downslurred, grating calls “gerrr! gerrr! gerrr!” somewhat reminiscent of a Blue Jay.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.