Brown-throated Parakeet

The Brown-throated Parakeet, also known as the St. Thomas Conure or Brown-throated Conure in aviculture, is a charming bird with a predominantly green plumage. Adults typically measure between 23 to 28 cm in length and weigh between 76 to 102 grams. Both sexes share a similar appearance, with a yellow forehead, face, and chin, and a green crown, nape, and upperparts. Their breast is a dull olive, while the belly is a vibrant grass green with a distinctive orange patch at its center. The wings and tail feathers are green with blue edges and tips, adding a subtle splash of color to their flight.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Brown-throated Parakeet, look for the yellow and green coloration of the head and body. Immature birds have less yellow on their faces compared to adults. The various subspecies exhibit slight variations in coloration, such as differences in the shades of the forehead, crown, nape, and face.

Habitat

This species thrives in a diverse array of environments, including savannas, arid scrublands, mangroves, tropical deciduous forests, gallery forests, evergreen forests, and even cultivated areas with some trees remaining.

Distribution

The Brown-throated Parakeet is found across a broad range, from Costa Rica and Panama, through the northern mainland of South America, to the islands off the South American coast. It has also been introduced to Saint Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Behaviour

Mainland populations may exhibit seasonal movements or nomadic behavior in response to food availability. The species is known to forage in pairs or small flocks, often communicating with calls during flight.

Song & Calls

The Brown-throated Parakeet is a vocal bird, emitting high-pitched screeches and harsh grating cries while in flight. It also produces shorter, bisyllabic calls and engages in chattering notes when perched.

Breeding

Nesting seasons vary by location, with some regions seeing almost year-round nesting, while others have more defined seasons. The parakeet typically nests in cavities, often in arboreal termite nests, and lays clutches of two to seven eggs. Incubation and fledging times are known from captivity.

Similar Species

While there are no similar species mentioned, the various subspecies of the Brown-throated Parakeet can be distinguished by slight variations in their coloration.

Diet and Feeding

The diet consists of seeds, fruits, nuts, flowers, leaves, and occasionally insects. The species has been observed feeding on human-planted sources and can be a significant pest to crops such as maize and fruit plantations.

Conservation status

The IUCN has classified the Brown-throated Parakeet as Least Concern, with a stable population estimated at over five million mature individuals. However, some subspecies, such as E. p. tortugensis, are in decline, and mainland populations are often persecuted for crop feeding. Nest poaching and the pet trade also pose threats to certain populations.