Brown-hooded Parrot

The Brown-hooded Parrot, a charming avian species, is adorned with a reddish-brown crown, ear coverts, and throat. A distinctive pinkish-red patch graces the area just behind its eye, while the nares and eye ring are a striking white. The nape and breast exhibit a subdued olive-yellow, with the flanks boasting a vibrant red. The bird's plumage is primarily green, accented with blue along the wing edge, blackish blue flight feathers, and blue-tipped tail feathers. This species measures between 21 to 23 centimeters in length and tips the scales at a modest 145 to 150 grams.

Identification Tips

To identify the Brown-hooded Parrot, look for its reddish-brown head and the pinkish-red patch behind the eye. The white nares and eye ring are also key features. Juveniles resemble adults but have a paler head, lack the red eye patch, and their breast is greener.

Habitat

This parrot favors the canopy and edges of humid evergreen forests, cloud forests, and mature secondary forests. It thrives from sea level up to 1,200 meters, occasionally venturing up to 1,900 meters.

Distribution

The Brown-hooded Parrot is native to a range extending from southeastern Mexico through Central America and into northwestern Colombia.

Behaviour

Seasonal elevational movements are suspected, with some birds possibly descending to lower elevations post-breeding. They are known to forage in the canopy and forest edge.

Song & calls

In flight, the Brown-hooded Parrot emits a clear "kee-reek" or "curicu-reek" call. While perched, it produces a variety of melodious yelps, gurgles, and squeaks.

Breeding

The breeding season for this species is not well defined and seems to vary by location. They nest in tree cavities, but details on clutch size, incubation, and fledging periods remain elusive.

Diet and Feeding

The diet consists predominantly of fruits and seeds from trees and epiphytes, with a particular fondness for figs. They have also been observed consuming mistletoe leaves.

Conservation status

The IUCN has classified the Brown-hooded Parrot as Least Concern, with a large range and an estimated population of over 50,000 mature individuals. Habitat logging poses a threat, but it is not considered severe at this time. The species is fairly common and does not suffer significantly from trapping.