Red-fan parrot facts for kids
The red-fan parrot (Deroptyus accipitrinus), also known as the hawk-headed parrot, is a unique parrot from the Amazon Rainforest in South America. It's the only parrot in its group, called Deroptyus.
These colorful birds live in many countries, including Brazil, Suriname, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, parts of northeast Peru, Venezuela, French Guiana, and Guyana.
Quick facts for kids Red-fan parrot |
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Deroptyus
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| Species: |
accipitrinus
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| Synonyms | |
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Psittacus accipitrinus Linnaeus, 1758 |
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Contents
About the Red-Fan Parrot
What's in a Name?
The red-fan parrot was first officially described in 1758 by a Swedish scientist named Carl Linnaeus. He gave it the scientific name Psittacus accipitrinus. Later, in 1832, another scientist, Johann Wagler, created a new group (genus) just for this parrot, calling it Deroptyus. The name Deroptyus comes from ancient Greek words meaning "neck" and "fan," which makes sense because of its special neck feathers! The word accipitrinus is Latin for "hawk-like."
There are two slightly different types, or subspecies, of the red-fan parrot:
- D. a. accipitrinus: Found from southeast Colombia to northeast Peru, northern Brazil, and the Guianas.
- D. a. fuscifrons: Lives in central Brazil, south of the Amazon River.
Amazing Appearance
The red-fan parrot is easy to spot because of its amazing neck feathers. These feathers can stand up to form a large, colorful fan around its head! This makes the bird look much bigger, especially if it feels threatened.
This parrot has a dark brown face with thin white stripes. It has a bare black patch around its brown eyes. Its wings, sides, and tail are green, and its chest is a mix of red and blue stripes.
Life and Habits
Where They Live
Red-fan parrots usually live in quiet, untouched forests. They spend their time high up in the trees, eating fruits.
Reproduction and Family Life
These parrots make their nests in holes found in trees or old tree stumps. A female parrot usually lays two or three eggs. The eggs hatch after about 26 days. Baby parrots, called chicks, are ready to fly (fledge) when they are around 10 weeks old. From the few nests studied in the wild, it seems they often raise one chick at a time.
Conservation Status
The red-fan parrot is not considered an endangered species right now. However, like most parrots, it is listed on CITES Appendix II. This means that trading these birds across countries is controlled to make sure their numbers in the wild stay healthy.
Red-Fan Parrots as Pets
Red-fan parrots are not very common as pets, but some people do keep them in large aviaries or as companion birds. Young parrots tend to be calm, but adult red-fan parrots can be quite strong-willed. They need an owner who is patient and experienced with birds, especially in understanding parrot behavior. Like all parrots, each bird has its own personality, and some red-fan parrots can make wonderful companions.
Images for kids
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Pet parrot showing its fan
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At the National Zoo, United States
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Pet
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Deroptyus accipitrinus - MHNT
See also
In Spanish: Loro cacique para niños
