Blue-crowned Parakeet
Thectocercus acuticaudatus

At a Glance

This large, long-tailed parakeet is native to dry forest and scrubby habitats in several parts of South America. Birds escaped from captivity have established feral populations around several cities in southern Florida and coastal southern California.
Category
Perching Birds
IUCN Status
Least Concern
Habitat
Fields, Meadows, and Grasslands, Forests and Woodlands, Urban and Suburban Habitats
Behavior
Direct Flight

Range & Identification

Description

14-15" (37 cm). Large parakeet with long, pointed tail. Green all over with dull blue face and crown, dull pinkish bill, some red at base of tail.
Size
About the size of a Crow
Wing Shape
Pointed, Tapered
Tail Shape
Long, Pointed

Songs and Calls

With a reputation as one of the quieter parakeets, they will however engage in typical parakeet screaming and screeching. They are gifted mimics and in captivity are capable of mimicking human speech.

Habitat

They are found in savannas, riparian woodlands and forest margins. Dense, rain forest such as along the Amazon does not seem to be preferred.

Behavior

Eggs

Three to four white eggs are laid in a hole in a tree. After 26 days the eggs hatch and the chick will fledge in about 52 days.

Nesting

Three to four white eggs are laid in a hole in a tree. After 26 days the eggs hatch and the chick will fledge in about 52 days