Blue-headed Parrot

The Blue-headed Parrot is a compact, short-tailed parrot with a deep, cobalt-blue head and neck that stand out sharply against its otherwise mostly green body. The undertail coverts show patches of red, and a bare, pinkish-red ring of skin encircles the eye, adding a further splash of color to an already distinctive face.

A highly social species, it is usually encountered in noisy, fast-flying flocks moving between fruiting trees, its stocky build and short square tail giving it a distinctive silhouette in flight compared to the longer-tailed parakeets and macaws that often share its habitat.

Key field marks

• Rich, deep blue head and neck contrasting with a green body
• Short, square-tipped tail typical of Pionus parrots
• Bare pinkish-red skin around the eye
• Red patches on the undertail coverts

Similar species

• Bronze-winged Parrot lacks the extensive blue head, showing mostly green plumage with a purplish-bronze wing tint instead.
• Amazon parrots such as the Mealy Parrot are larger with proportionally longer tails and lack the solidly blue head of the Blue-headed Parrot.

Habitat

Inhabits humid lowland and foothill forest, forest edge, and cultivated clearings with scattered trees.

Range

Found from Costa Rica south through much of northern and central South America, including the Amazon basin.

Migration

Non-migratory, though flocks may move locally in search of fruiting trees.

Behavior

Highly social, usually traveling in fast-flying, noisy flocks between roosting and feeding sites, often mixing with other parrot species at fruiting trees.

Voice

Sharp, screeching calls given in flight, along with softer chattering notes while feeding.

Feeding

Feeds mainly on fruit, seeds, nuts, and flowers gathered in the forest canopy.

Nesting

Nests in tree cavities, often reusing old woodpecker holes; lays 3-5 white eggs, incubated mainly by the female.