Birds
Burrowing Parrot
Cyanoliseus patagonus · also called Patagonian conure
Filling the air with near-constant noise from a cliffside colony tens of thousands of burrows strong, a burrowing parrot forms one of the largest parrot colonies found anywhere on Earth across the open steppe of Patagonia.
Overview
The burrowing parrot, Cyanoliseus patagonus, is a Near Threatened bird native to coastal, grassland, and desert habitat across the open steppe of Argentina and Chile. Its enormous cliffside breeding colonies, its unusual habit of digging its own nesting burrows, and its ongoing vulnerability to poaching make it one of the more ecologically remarkable yet conservation-sensitive parrots found anywhere in South America.
A parrot that builds instead of borrows
While most parrots rely on ready-made tree cavities, the burrowing parrot instead excavates its own nesting burrow directly into a cliff face, a habit that has produced some of the largest and loudest parrot colonies found anywhere in the world.
Status
Near Threatened, with populations remaining locally abundant at major colony sites, though poaching for the pet trade and habitat disturbance have driven declines in parts of its range.
Burrowing Parrot: common questions
How large are burrowing parrot colonies?
This species nests in colonies of tens of thousands of burrows dug into sandstone or earthen cliffs, forming some of the largest parrot colonies found anywhere on Earth.
How does the burrowing parrot build its nest?
This species digs its own nesting burrows directly into soft cliff faces, unlike most parrot species, which instead rely on natural or excavated cavities in trees.
Why is the burrowing parrot threatened?
This species faces ongoing threats from poaching for the international pet trade, a pressure that has reduced numbers at some colony sites across its Patagonian range.
Do burrowing parrots come into conflict with people?
Yes, this species is sometimes considered an agricultural pest where large flocks feed on cultivated grain and fruit crops near breeding colonies.