Rose-crowned parakeet facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rose-crowned parakeet |
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The rose-crowned parakeet (Pyrrhura rhodocephala) is a cool type of parrot. People also call it the rose-headed parakeet or rose-crowned conure. It's part of the Psittacidae family, which includes all parrots. This bird lives only in Venezuela.
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What is a Rose-Crowned Parakeet?
The rose-crowned parakeet is a small parrot. It grows to be about 24 centimeters (about 9.5 inches) long. Its wings are around 13 to 14.2 centimeters long. The tail is 9.7 to 11.5 centimeters long. Its beak is small, about 1.6 to 1.8 centimeters.
These birds are mostly green. They have a bright red cap on their head. This red cap helps tell them apart from other parrots in South America. They also have white feathers on their wings. Young birds have blue feathers there instead. Their main wing feathers are blue, and their tail is red. Both male and female birds look the same.
There are no other parrots like the Pyrrhura genus in the areas where this parakeet lives. Another bird, the painted parakeet, also has red on its head. But the painted parakeet has cool, scaly patterns on its chest and throat. The skin around the rose-crowned parakeet's eyes is white.
Where Do These Parakeets Live?
The rose-crowned parakeet lives only in Venezuela. You can find them in the Andes mountains in the northwest. This area is called the Cordillera de Mérida. They live from the state of Táchira all the way to Trujillo.
Their natural homes are moist mountain forests. These forests are found at high places, from 800 meters to 3,100 meters above sea level. Most of them live between 1,500 and 2,500 meters high. You can also see them in farm areas with some trees. They like to be at the edge of forests too.
Scientists estimate that the area where they live is about 17,000 square kilometers. In 2004, experts said this bird was of "Least Concern." This means they are not in danger of disappearing right now. Even though some forests are being cut down, the number of these birds seems stable. The rose-crowned parakeet is also on a special list called CITES#Appendix II. This list helps control trade of animals to make sure they stay safe.
How Do Rose-Crowned Parakeets Behave?
Rose-crowned parakeets are very social birds. When they are not raising babies, they fly in noisy groups. These groups can have 10 to 30 birds. Even larger groups gather to sleep at night. They move around every day, but they usually stay in the same area.
Their voices are described as "harsh" and "reedy." But they are quieter than other Pyrrhura parrots. They fly very fast and in a straight line.
Scientists don't know much about what these parakeets eat. But they think they eat berries, seeds, fruits, and flowers. They probably lay eggs in April, May, and June. A female bird likely lays 4 to 6 eggs.
Rose-Crowned Parakeets as Pets
The World Parrot Trust says that rose-crowned parakeets are "uncommon" as pets. They probably live for 10 to 15 years. If you have one as a pet, it should eat a diet that includes 30% fruit. They also need vegetables, special bird food pellets, and small mixed seeds.
In captivity, female birds lay 4 to 6 eggs. The eggs hatch after 23 to 24 days. The baby birds are ready to fly when they are about 7 to 8 weeks old.
