How to identify the Aztec Parakeet

To correctly identify the Aztec Parakeet (Eupsittula nana), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

23-25 cm

Wingspan

35-40 cm

Weight

60-80 g

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Overall bright green plumage. The crown and nape are slightly duller green, often with a bluish tinge. The throat and upper breast are olive-brown, sometimes with a faint yellowish wash. The abdomen and undertail coverts are yellowish-green. Primary coverts and outer webs of primaries are blue. Underside of flight feathers is dusky. The tail is green, becoming bluish towards the tip, with the underside being dusky.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   Strong, hooked beak; horn-colored with a darker tip.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Dark brown iris with a pale, bare periophthalmic ring (eye-ring).

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Greyish-pink to greyish-brown.

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   The olive-brown throat patch is the most distinctive field mark. The pale eye-ring is also noticeable. Its relatively small size and pointed tail are characteristic.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles resemble adults but may have a slightly duller plumage, a less distinct olive-brown throat, and a shorter tail. The eye-ring may be less prominent.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   No significant seasonal plumage changes.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Males and females are monomorphic, appearing identical in plumage.

Key field marks

• Plumage Color. Look for the overall bright green body plumage.
• Throat Color. The most reliable field mark is the olive-brown throat and upper breast. This distinguishes it from most other small green parakeets in its range.
• Eye-ring. Note the pale, bare skin around the eye, which is often whitish or greyish.
• Tail Shape. Observe the relatively long, pointed tail, characteristic of 'aratinga' type parakeets.
• Vocalizations. Listen for its characteristic harsh, chattering 'scree-scree-scree' calls, often given in flight.
• Social Behavior. Often seen in flocks, especially when flying or feeding, which can aid in detection.

Explore the Aztec Parakeet