Burrowing parakeet facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Burrowing parakeet |
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Cyanoliseus
Bonaparte, 1854
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| Cyanoliseus patagonus (Vieillot, 1818)
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The burrowing parakeet (Cyanoliseus patagonus) is a fascinating type of parrot found in South America. It's also known as the Patagonian conure or burrowing parrot. These amazing birds are famous for digging their homes in the ground!
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About the Burrowing Parakeet
Burrowing parakeets are medium-sized parrots. They have bright green feathers on their backs and wings. Their chests are often a mix of olive-brown and white. They also have a cool reddish-orange patch on their bellies. These birds can grow to be about 45 centimeters (18 inches) long. This includes their long, pointed tails. They are very social birds and love to live in big groups.
Where Do They Live?
You can find burrowing parakeets in several countries in South America. They live in Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay. You might also spot them in the Falkland Islands and South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. They prefer dry areas with shrubs and open grasslands. They especially like places near cliffs or riverbanks. These spots are perfect for digging their nests.
Their Amazing Homes
What makes these parrots special is how they build their homes. Unlike most parrots that nest in trees, burrowing parakeets dig long tunnels. They create these tunnels in soft cliffs or riverbanks. A single colony can have thousands of burrows! Each burrow can be up to 3 meters (10 feet) deep. They dig these tunnels using their strong beaks and feet. Inside, they make a cozy chamber for their eggs and chicks. Living in these big colonies helps them stay safe from predators.
What Do They Eat?
Burrowing parakeets are mostly vegetarians. They love to eat seeds, fruits, and berries. They also munch on flowers and roots. Sometimes, they will eat crops from farms. This can make them unpopular with farmers. They often fly long distances to find food. They use their strong beaks to crack open tough seeds.
Life in a Colony
These parrots are very social. They live in huge colonies that can have thousands of birds. They fly together in large, noisy flocks. This makes them easy to spot and hear. When they fly, they make loud squawking sounds. This helps them communicate with each other. Living in a big group offers protection. It also helps them find food more easily.
Raising Their Young
Female burrowing parakeets usually lay 2 to 5 eggs. Both parents take turns caring for the eggs. The eggs hatch after about 24 days. The baby parrots, called chicks, are born without feathers. They are completely dependent on their parents. The parents feed them until they are old enough to fly. This usually happens after about 8 to 10 weeks. Once they can fly, the young birds join the big flock.
Images for kids
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Burrowing parrot by Edward Lear
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Nesting burrows
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Burrowing parrot in captivity
See also
In Spanish: Loro barranquero para niños
