Birds
Dusky-headed Parakeet
Aratinga weddellii
Calling noisily as it moves through the western Amazon canopy in a tight flock, a dusky-headed parakeet shows its muted grey-brown head against bright green body plumage, a modest but social presence across the rainforest.
Overview
The dusky-headed parakeet, Aratinga weddellii, is a Least Concern bird found across lowland rainforest throughout the western Amazon basin. Its distinctive dusky head colouring, pale eye-ring, and highly social flocking behaviour make it a familiar part of the Amazon’s noisy canopy life, even among larger and more colourful parrot relatives.
Small size, big flocks
Though more modestly sized than many of the Amazon parrots and macaws sharing its range, the dusky-headed parakeet makes up for it in numbers, typically moving and foraging in vocal, cohesive flocks rather than alone or in pairs.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread across suitable lowland rainforest habitat throughout the western Amazon basin.
Dusky-headed Parakeet: common questions
Why is it called the dusky-headed parakeet?
It shows a muted grey-brown head and neck contrasting with an otherwise bright green body, a feature that gives the species its common name.
Is the dusky-headed parakeet social?
Yes, it typically forms noisy, active flocks that move together through the forest canopy in search of food.
What does the dusky-headed parakeet eat?
It is a herbivore, eating fruit, seeds, and flowers foraged from forest canopy.
Where is the dusky-headed parakeet found?
It ranges across lowland rainforest throughout the western Amazon basin.