You spot a bright flash of color high in the trees—it’s a Peach-fronted Parakeet! Also known by its scientific name of Eupsittula aurea, this medium-sized parrot measures about 10 to 11 inches (25 to 28 centimeters) in length. As its name suggests, adults of this species have distinctive peach or orange colored feathers on their…
Have you ever seen a bright green parakeet flying through trees or perched in a backyard? If you live in central Mexico or the American Southwest, it may well have been an Aztec Parakeet. These lively little parrots stand out with their vivid green plumage and long, pointed tail feathers. You’ll most often find Aztec…
Have you ever seen a small, bright green parrot with a splash of color on its forehead or chest flying through the forests of Mexico or northern South America? If so, you may have spotted one of the six lively parakeet species that belong to the genus Eupsittula. These birds are part of the larger…
You gaze up into the canopy of a tropical Melanesian forest, scanning the branches until a flash of bright green catches your eye. A pair of parrots with gorgeous emerald plumage alight on a fruit tree, their rose-colored beaks crunching into guavas. These vibrant birds are Ouvea Parakeets, some of the rarest parrots not just…
You spot a flash of green and orange flying through the canopy. It lands on a branch, cocking its head as it examines a fruit. But then you notice the unique feature that gives this parakeet its name—two feathered horns sprouting from its forehead! You’ve spotted the rare horned parakeet, found only on the Pacific…
With their brightly colored plumage and lively personalities, Eunymphicus parakeets are truly captivating birds. As you read on, you will discover what makes this genus of parrots found across islands of New Caledonia so special. The genus contains only two extant species: Both species play important roles in their island ecosystems. However, habitat destruction and…
You first catch sight of the Slender-billed Parakeet perched high in a tree, blending in with green foliage. Its bright green wings and tail contrast with a paler yellow-green back and head. At just 8 to 9 inches (20 to 23 cm) long, it’s smaller than some parrots but makes up for its size with…
You first catch sight of the Austral Parakeet while hiking through the dense, humid forests of southern Chile. A flash of bright red and yellow darts past, accompanied by a shrill series of squawks. Measuring just 7 to 8 inches (18 to 20 centimeters) long, this vibrant bird is easy to overlook among the lush…
Imagine yourself deep in the lush forests of Chile or Argentina when a flock of bright red and green birds suddenly lands in the trees around you. You’ve just had an encounter with parakeets in the genus Enicognathus, medium-sized parrots living in South America. These birds fill an important role as seed dispersers in their…
You first glimpse a flock of Red-shouldered Macaws loudly flying over the riverside forest canopy. As the sunlight hits their wings, vibrant red “shoulders” on the wing feathers shine brightly. These colorful parrots catch your eye with their unique and dazzling plumage. The Red-shouldered Macaw (Diopsittaca nobilis) is one of the smaller members of the…
