Birds
Austral Parakeet
Enicognathus ferrugineus · also called austral conure
Surviving in cold southern beech forests far beyond where any other parrot species has ever been found, an austral parakeet holds the record as the world’s southernmost parrot, proving the family can thrive well outside the tropics most people associate with parrots.
Overview
The austral parakeet, Enicognathus ferrugineus, is a Least Concern bird native to forest and mountain habitat across southern Chile and Argentina, including Tierra del Fuego. Its record as the world’s southernmost parrot species, its unusual cold tolerance, and its close ties to southern beech forest make it one of the more geographically and ecologically remarkable parrots found anywhere on Earth.
A parrot that redefined the family’s limits
Long assumed to be a strictly tropical family, parrots gained a very different reputation once the austral parakeet was found thriving in the cold, wind-battered forests of Tierra del Fuego, proving the group could adapt far beyond the warm climates most of its relatives depend on.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread and generally stable across suitable southern beech forest habitat in southern Chile and Argentina.
Austral Parakeet: common questions
Why is the austral parakeet considered record-setting?
This species breeds further south than any other parrot species in the world, reaching into the cold forests of Tierra del Fuego at the very tip of South America.
How does the austral parakeet survive such cold conditions?
This species tolerates conditions considerably colder than most other parrot species are adapted to, an unusual trait within a family generally associated with tropical and subtropical climates.
What kind of forest does the austral parakeet live in?
This species is closely tied to southern beech forest habitat, foraging and nesting among the same tree species found across much of its Patagonian and Tierra del Fuego range.
Does the austral parakeet flock together?
Yes, this species often gathers in flocks outside the breeding season, moving together through forest habitat in search of seasonally available seeds, berries, and buds.