Black-headed Parrot
Pionites melanocephalus
The Black-headed Parrot (Pionites melanocephalus) is a rare african and new world parrot found in 9 countries, weighing about 149 g. The black-headed parrot is a species of bird in subfamily Arinae of the family Psittacidae, the African and New World parrots.
About the Black-headed Parrot
The black-headed parrot is a species of bird in subfamily Arinae of the family Psittacidae, the African and New World parrots. Other colloquial names are black-crowned parrot, black-capped parrot, black-headed caique, and for subspecies P. m. pallidus, pallid caique. It is found in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The black-headed parrot is 21 to 25 cm (8.3 to 9.8 in) long and weighs 130 to 170 g (4.6 to 6.0 oz). The sexes are the same. Adults of the nominate subspecies have a black cap from forehead to nape and a rufous-orange band across their hindneck. They are green from their lores to below their eye, and yellow on their lower face, sides of their neck, and their upper breast. Their back and wings are dull green with dark blue primaries and reddish blue axiillaries. Their lower breast and belly are creamy white and their flanks, thighs, and vent area are apricot yellow. Voice: The black-headed parrot's flight call is " a high-pitched and penetrating squealing "skeeea .. skeeea" also described as "a wheezy or squealing screech, e.g. 'screeéyr, screeyer-screeyer-screeyer'." It is very vocal when perched, where it makes "a variety of calls, some more musical, others rather un-birdlike".
Where it lives
When to see it
The Black-headed Parrot can be seen all year round, with peak activity in February. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Black-headed Parrot?
- The black-headed parrot is 21 to 25 cm (8.3 to 9.8 in) long and weighs 130 to 170 g (4.6 to 6.0 oz). Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Black-headed Parrot?
- The Black-headed Parrot is a medium sized bird weighing about 149 g.
- Where can you see a Black-headed Parrot?
- The Black-headed Parrot occurs in 9 countries, including Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, Guyana and Venezuela.
- What birds look similar to a Black-headed Parrot?
- The Black-headed Parrot is most easily confused with the White-bellied Parrot.
- Is the Black-headed Parrot endangered?
- The Black-headed Parrot is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Black-headed Parrot for real
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