Birds · Psittaciformes · Psittacidae

Austral Parakeet

Enicognathus ferrugineus

Least Concern

The species is abundant and widely distributed; it faces no significant short-term risk. See full glossary

The austral parakeet, also known as the austral conure, is a psittaciform bird of the family Psittacidae that lives in Argentina, Chile and the Falkland Islands, further south than any other parrot species. Its general colouring is dark green, with the feathers of the crown and back edged in black, and a red forehead. Its wings show metallic blue tones, while its tail is dark red. A red patch in the centre of the belly is distinctive. Its bill is hooked, broad and short. Its legs are short and zygodactylous.

Weight

110 g – 160 g

Size

28 cm – 36 cm

Lifespan

20 years

Diet

Herbivore

Feeds mainly on plants.

Activity

Diurnal

Active mainly during the day.

Sighting difficulty

Easy

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Fun facts

It is the southernmost-living parrot on the planet: there are flocks in Tierra del Fuego, beyond 54 degrees south, feeding among snow-covered woodland.
It nests in the holes of very old trees and in cliff crevices, and in some parts of Patagonia several pairs share the same hollow trunk, which is unusual among parrots.

Life cycle & biology

Skeleton type: Vertebrate - internal bony skeleton (bird)
Habitat & environment: Temperate Nothofagus and araucaria forests of southern Chile and Argentina, as far as Tierra del Fuego
Sexual maturity: 2 years
Gestation / incubation: 26 days of incubation
Litter / clutch size: 5 eggs

Sources consulted: https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enicognathus_ferrugineus