Birda Logo
Features
Birda+
About
Species Guide
Challenges
Shop
loading...
A photo of a Red-masked Parakeet (Psittacara erythrogenys)
Red-masked Parakeet

Red-masked Parakeet

Psittacara erythrogenys

The Red-masked Parakeet, a medium-sized parrot native to Ecuador and Peru, is a vibrant creature adorned with a predominantly red head, which contrasts with its bright green body. The red extends to the lesser and median underwing coverts, neck, thighs, and the leading edge of the wings. A pale eye-ring stands out against the red facial plumage. These parakeets measure approximately 33 centimeters in length, with the tail accounting for half of this measurement. Juveniles initially sport green plumage, which gradually gives way to red feathers starting at around four months of age.

Identification Tips

To identify the Red-masked Parakeet, look for the striking red head and the elongated pale eye-ring. The green nape and the red accents on the underwing, neck, thighs, and wing edges are also distinctive. Juveniles can be recognized by their all-green plumage before the emergence of red feathers.

Habitat

These parakeets inhabit jungle and deciduous forests within their native range. They are also known to adapt to semiarid and suburban environments. Typically found below 1,500 meters, they can reside at elevations up to 2,500 meters above sea level.

Distribution

The Red-masked Parakeet is indigenous to southwestern Ecuador and northwestern Peru. However, due to their popularity as pets, they have been introduced to other regions, including the southern and western United States, where they have established feral populations.

Behaviour

In their introduced range, these parakeets have been observed feeding on fruits and flowers and nesting in palm trees. They are known for their adaptability to various environments.

Song & Calls

The call of the Red-masked Parakeet is a harsh, loud, and two-syllabled sound.

Breeding

Breeding pairs of Red-masked Parakeets lay clutches averaging three to four eggs. Incubation lasts between 23 and 24 days. They tend to nest in tree cavities and can breed in a range of environments, from small woodlots to isolated trees in degraded forests. Fledglings leave the nest after 50 days, initially displaying green plumage.

Conservation status

The Red-masked Parakeet has experienced a decline in its natural range, leading to its reclassification by the IUCN as Near Threatened in 1994. This status change is attributed to habitat loss and fragmentation, as well as the local pet trade in Peru and Ecuador.

App logo
Birda is a birdwatching app and community aimed at curious people who want to deepen their connection with nature.

Red-masked Parakeets on Birda

Photos
Sightings

More African & New World Parrots

A photo of a Yellow-faced Parrot (Alipiopsitta xanthops)

Yellow-faced Parrot

Alipiopsitta xanthops
Birda Logo

Your birdwatching journey like never before

Connect with nature in minutes
Take a walk, look out of the window and log the birds that you see. Feel good about those little connections to nature.
Discover the joy of birding
Find new birding spots, see more birds, share and celebrate with a like-minded community of nature lovers.
Play your part in saving nature
Logging your birding sightings and sessions turns into positive action for our planet. Every sighting counts.

Birda Blog

What Our Birders Say
David C
Very knowledgeable group
Nice friendly birding community. Very knowledgeable group with a willingness to help.
Nedz53
Really useful
Downloaded to give it a try, everything worked perfectly, recorded my first bird watching walk. Very impressed. Have already recommended to friends!
Foxgirl100
Great app for beginner twitchers
I’ve had a passion of photographing birds for a long time now but have only just gotten into proper birdwatching, and this app is brilliant for those just getting started. There is a great sense of community among users and the app is very easy to use and professional. Awesome app altogether
Viperray5
Loving it
I really enjoy being able to interact with other birders on this platform! This seems like a great way to meet other birders and find some new spots.
SW H
Wonderful App
Birda is my go to app for keeping records of my bird sightings and sessions. It has fantastic information which is great at aiding identification. With all the updates that are coming in the new year, this app is something special.
Stewart W
Fantastic to be involved
Fantastic to be involved, great for mental health and gets you responding with the Challenges that are to takd part in.
Chudbond
Love Birda
I love this app. It really encourages you to log your sightings and the community is friendly and helpful.
Dunners12345
Great App
Great app to use for logging and communicating with others who are interested in birds
Patricia L
Very encouraging birding app
Easy to use, fun to see progress and encouraging to receive feedback from other users.
Leonie
We've been waiting for an App like this
Excellent! We've been waiting for an app like this! Thank you! It would be nice if you could assign additional birds to sessions later!
As featured in
Birda Logo
AboutPressAmbassadorsAffiliatesInfluencersCareersPrivacyTerms & Conditions
An app for birdwatchers
Connect with us
Copyright © 2024 Chirp Birding. All rights reserved.