Lineolated Parakeet

About

The Lineolated Parakeet, often affectionately called 'Linnie', is a small, stocky parrot native to the humid montane forests of Central and South America. It is characterized by its predominantly green plumage with fine black barring on the back and flanks, giving it a 'lined' appearance. Known for its calm demeanor and quiet vocalizations, it is a popular aviary bird.

Size & lifespan

Length

16-17 cm

Wingspan

28-30 cm

Weight

48-60 g

Lifespan

10-15 years (in the wild), up to 20 years (in captivity)

Diet

Herbivore (primarily granivorous and frugivorous)

Physical characteristics

Plumage

Predominantly emerald green, with a darker green crown and nape. The back, wings, and flanks are finely barred with black, giving a 'lineolated' or laddered effect. The primary coverts and flight feathers are blackish with blue-green edges. The underparts are a lighter green, often with less prominent barring. A distinctive black patch is present on the lesser underwing coverts.

Beak shape

Small, hooked, and horn-colored (pale yellowish-brown) with a darker tip.

Eye color

Dark brown with a narrow, pale grey periophthalmic ring.

Leg color

Pinkish-grey to grey.

Distinguishing features

The fine black barring across the back and flanks is the most distinctive feature. The black patch on the underwing coverts is also a key field mark, especially in flight. Their stocky build and relatively short tail are also characteristic.

Juvenile appearance

Juveniles resemble adults but may have slightly duller plumage and less distinct barring. The black underwing patch may be less pronounced in very young birds.

Seasonal changes

No significant seasonal plumage changes.

Sexual dimorphism

Minimal to none. Males and females are virtually identical in plumage. Some anecdotal reports suggest males might be slightly larger or have more prominent barring, but this is not consistently reliable for field identification.

How to identify

1. 1

   Plumage Pattern

   Look for the fine, ladder-like black barring on the back, wings, and flanks against a predominantly green body. This is the most diagnostic feature.

2. 2

   Underwing Patch

   Observe the distinct black patch on the lesser underwing coverts, visible when the bird is in flight or stretching its wings. This is a reliable field mark.

3. 3

   Size and Shape

   Note its small, stocky build and relatively short tail, characteristic of the Bolborhynchus genus.

4. 4

   Vocalizations

   Listen for its soft, chattering calls, which are much quieter and less harsh than many other parrot species. This can help distinguish it in dense forest.

5. 5

   Habitat and Elevation

   Consider the habitat (humid montane forest) and elevation range (800-2,500m). This helps narrow down possibilities, especially when distinguishing from similar species with restricted ranges.

Habitat & range

Biomes

Humid montane forests, cloud forests, semi-open woodlands, and forest edges.

Geographic range

Discontinuous distribution from southern Mexico (Chiapas) through Central America (Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama) to the Andes of South America (Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru).

Elevation range

Typically found at elevations between 800 and 2,500 meters, occasionally lower or higher depending on the region and season.

Preferred environments

Prefers areas with dense canopy cover, often near water sources. They are frequently observed in secondary growth forests and coffee plantations adjacent to primary forest.

Behavior

Activity time

Diurnal. Most active during the early morning and late afternoon.

Feeding habits

Feeds primarily on seeds, fruits, berries, and flower buds. They are often observed foraging in the canopy, sometimes hanging upside down to reach food items. They are particularly fond of seeds from grasses and small trees.

Social behavior

Typically seen in small flocks of 5-20 individuals, though larger aggregations can form at abundant food sources or communal roosts. They are generally social and maintain contact with soft calls.

Flight pattern

Flight is swift and direct, often in small, tight flocks. They have rapid wingbeats and can be quite agile, especially when navigating through dense forest.

Migration pattern

Primarily resident throughout their range, but may undertake local altitudinal movements in response to food availability or seasonal weather changes.

Territoriality

Not strongly territorial outside of the immediate nesting site. Flocks forage cooperatively.

Breeding & reproduction

Breeding season

Varies geographically, but generally coincides with the rainy season or periods of abundant food. For example, in Central America, it can be from May to August.

Nesting habits

Nests in tree cavities, often old woodpecker holes, or sometimes in rock crevices. They may also utilize abandoned arboreal termite nests. Both parents participate in nest preparation.

Clutch size

3-6 eggs, typically 4-5.

Egg description

White, elliptical to oval-shaped eggs.

Incubation period

Approximately 18-21 days.

Fledging period

Chicks fledge around 5-6 weeks after hatching.

Parental care

Both parents share incubation duties and feed the young. The male often feeds the female during incubation.

Where to find

Field tips

1. Listen for calls. Their soft, chattering calls are often the first indication of their presence, especially when they are hidden in dense foliage. Learn to distinguish their quiet vocalizations from other forest birds.
2. Scan the canopy. Lineolated Parakeets spend much of their time foraging in the upper canopy. Use binoculars to carefully scan fruiting or seeding trees.
3. Look for movement in flocks. They are typically found in small flocks. Look for subtle movements or flashes of green as they move through the foliage.
4. Visit at dawn and dusk. They are most active during the early morning and late afternoon, making these the best times for observation.
5. Check water sources. Like many parrots, they may visit water sources to drink, especially during dry periods.

Similar species

Quick facts

Common Name:

Lineolated Parakeet

Scientific Name:

Bolborhynchus lineola

Family:

Psittacidae

Size:

16-17 cm (length)

Weight:

48-60 g

Habitat:

Humid montane forests, cloud forests

Diet:

Seeds, fruits, berries, flower buds

Conservation Status:

Least Concern

Distinguishing Feature:

Fine black barring on back/flanks, black underwing patch

Fun facts

• Lineolated Parakeets are known for their calm and gentle temperament, making them popular as pets, often referred to as 'Linnies'.
• They are one of the few parrot species that can hang upside down for extended periods while foraging, similar to some tits or nuthatches.
• Despite their vibrant green plumage, their fine barring provides excellent camouflage in the dappled light of their forest habitat.
• In captivity, selective breeding has produced a wide array of color mutations, including blue, turquoise, mauve, and lutino.

Scientific classification

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Aves

Order

Psittaciformes

Family

Psittacidae

Genus

Bolborhynchus

Species

Bolborhynchus lineola

Explore the Lineolated Parakeet