Jandaya Parakeet

The Jandaya Parakeet, also known as the Jenday Conure, is a vibrant small Neotropical parrot. It boasts a striking plumage with green wings and tail, a reddish-orange body, a yellow head and neck, orange cheeks, and a contrasting black bill. This bird is a visual delight, measuring approximately 30 cm in length and weighing between 125-140 grams.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Jandaya Parakeet, look for its distinctive yellow head and neck, which contrast sharply with its orange cheeks. The green wings and tail are also key identifiers, along with the blue-tipped tail feathers. The bird's black bill and whitish periophthalmic ring around the dark eyes are also characteristic.

Habitat

The Jandaya Parakeet is native to the lowland deciduous woodlands and palm groves of northeastern Brazil, where it thrives in the lush, green canopy.

Distribution

This species has a wide range in northeastern Brazil, particularly in the states of Piaui, Maranhao, Tocantins, Ceara, and portions of Goiás and Pará.

Behaviour

In the wild, Jandaya Parakeets are social creatures, often seen in flocks. They are known for their loud, shrill calls, which they use to communicate with one another across the dense forests they inhabit.

Song & Calls

The call of the Jandaya Parakeet is very loud and shrill, a distinctive sound that resonates through their native woodlands.

Breeding

Jandaya Parakeets prefer to nest in tree hollows, choosing lofty heights of at least 15 meters above the ground for their breeding sites. In captivity, the female typically lays three to six eggs and incubates them for about 26 days. Both parents are involved in feeding the young, which fledge after approximately two months.

Diet and Feeding

These parakeets have a fondness for a variety of fruits, including mango and cashew apples, as well as palm nuts. They also show an interest in human-cultivated crops such as rice and maize.

Conservation status

The Jandaya Parakeet is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. It is protected under Brazil's Wildlife Protection Act, with export and trade being prohibited. Despite its wide range, the species is considered rare in some parts of its former range, based on field surveys.

Aviculture

In captivity, the Jandaya Parakeet is known for its longevity, with a lifespan of up to 30 years. These intelligent birds can be trained to mimic sounds, including human speech. They are social and thrive in a flock environment, but their loud calls can be quite boisterous.