Burrowing Parakeet
NameBurrowing Parakeet
Common NameBurrowing Parakeet
Scientific NameCyanoliseus patagonus
FamilyPsittacidae
Wingspan (cm)55
Length (cm)44.5
Weight (g)300
Plumage DetailsThe plumage features an olive-green back, wings, and crown, transitioning to a greyish-brown on the throat and upper breast. The lower breast and belly are bright yellow, with a prominent reddish-orange patch on the central abdomen. Blue primary feathers are visible, and it has a white eye-ring and a pale, hooked bill.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations are typically loud, harsh, and screeching, often given in flight or when disturbed. They also produce a variety of chattering and squawking sounds within their colonies.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, coastal, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to South America, primarily found in Argentina, with smaller populations in central Chile. They inhabit open dry areas, steppes, and scrublands, particularly near cliffs suitable for nesting.
Identifying FeaturesLarge size for a parakeet, Olive-green back and greyish-brown chest, Bright yellow belly with a distinct reddish-orange abdominal patch, White eye-ring, Pale, hooked bill, Colonial nesting in cliff burrows
Description
The Burrowing Parakeet is a large, colorful parrot known for its distinctive plumage and colonial nesting habits. These social birds excavate burrows in cliffs, where they raise their young, often forming vast colonies.
