Red-throated Parakeet

The red-throated parakeet, also known in aviculture as the red-throated conure, is a vibrant bird approximately 28 cm in length. Both sexes exhibit a similar plumage, predominantly green with paler and yellower underparts. A distinctive feature is the variable amount of orange-red that adorns their throat and upper breast. Their underwing coverts are tinged with yellowish green, while the undersides of their flight feathers and tail boast an olive-yellow hue. The bird's iris is a striking orange-red, encircled by a ring of bare pale beige skin. Its bill is horn-colored, and the legs and feet are a brownish shade. Juvenile red-throated parakeets may have little or no red on their throat, distinguishing them from the adults.

Identification Tips

When identifying the red-throated parakeet, look for the characteristic orange-red throat patch, which can vary in intensity among individuals. The green plumage, paler on the underside, and the orange-red iris are also key features. Juveniles may lack the red throat, so take note of the overall green coloration and the yellowish tinge on the underwing coverts.

Habitat

This species is known to inhabit a variety of forest types, with a preference for highland pine forests. It can also be found in urban areas, including cities and towns.

Distribution

The red-throated parakeet graces the skies from eastern Guatemala, through Honduras and El Salvador, and into northern Nicaragua. It typically resides at elevations ranging from 800 to 2,600 meters.

Behaviour

Movement patterns of the red-throated parakeet include dispersal from the highlands to lower elevations during the nonbreeding season. They are sociable birds, often forming flocks that can number up to 100 individuals.

Feeding

While the full extent of their diet is not thoroughly documented, it is known that these parakeets partake in seeds and fruits.

Breeding

The breeding season of the red-throated parakeet appears to vary geographically and has not been precisely defined. They nest in tree cavities, with a typical clutch size of four eggs. Details on the incubation period, time to fledging, and parental care remain elusive.

Vocalization

The calls of the red-throated parakeet are reminiscent of those of the Pacific parakeet but are higher pitched. Their flight call can be described as a series of "kreh!-kreh!-kreh!-kreh!…", while their perched call is a lower-pitched, scratchy "kreeh-kreeh-kreeh-kreei-kreei".

Status

The IUCN has assessed the red-throated parakeet as being of Least Concern. It enjoys a fairly large range, and though the exact population size is unknown, it is believed to be stable. Currently, no immediate threats to the species have been identified.