Green-cheeked Parakeet

About

The Green-cheeked Parakeet, also known as the Green-cheeked Conure, is a small parrot native to South America. It is a popular pet bird due to its intelligence, playful nature, and relatively quiet vocalizations compared to some other parrot species. In the wild, they are social birds, typically found in flocks, and are known for their acrobatic flight and ability to blend into their arboreal habitats.

Size & lifespan

Length

24-26 cm (9.4-10.2 in)

Wingspan

30-35 cm (11.8-13.8 in)

Weight

60-80 g (2.1-2.8 oz)

Lifespan

10-15 years in the wild; up to 20-30 years in captivity

Diet

Omnivore (primarily herbivorous)

Physical characteristics

Plumage

Predominantly green plumage. The crown is brownish-black, transitioning to a dull green on the nape. Cheeks are green, giving the bird its common name. The breast is barred with brown and white, becoming reddish-brown on the belly and lower back. Primary flight feathers are blue, and the tail is maroon, especially visible from below. A distinctive red patch is often present on the bend of the wing (carpal joint), though this can vary in prominence among individuals and subspecies.

Beak shape

Small, hooked, and dark grey to black.

Eye color

Dark brown with a white periophthalmic ring (bare eye-ring).

Leg color

Dark grey.

Distinguishing features

Green cheeks, brownish-black crown, barred breast, reddish-brown belly/lower back, blue primary flight feathers, and maroon tail. The white eye-ring is also a good field mark.

Juvenile appearance

Juveniles resemble adults but may have duller plumage, particularly less prominent reddish-brown on the belly and a less distinct barred pattern on the breast. Their eye-ring may also be less defined.

Seasonal changes

No significant seasonal plumage changes.

Sexual dimorphism

None. Males and females are visually identical.

How to identify

1. 1

   Green Cheeks

   Look for the distinct green coloration on the sides of the head, which contrasts with the brownish-black crown.

2. 2

   Barred Breast

   Observe the fine brown and whitish barring pattern on the breast, which transitions to a reddish-brown on the lower belly.

3. 3

   Maroon Tail

   Note the maroon coloration of the tail, especially visible when the bird is in flight or perched with its tail fanned.

4. 4

   White Eye-ring

   A thin, bare white ring around the dark eye is a consistent and helpful field mark.

5. 5

   Vocalizations

   Listen for their characteristic high-pitched, chattering, and squeaky calls, often given in rapid succession.

Habitat & range

Biomes

Subtropical or tropical dry forests, subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, and heavily degraded former forest.

Geographic range

Central-southern South America, including southwestern Brazil, northern Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay.

Elevation range

Typically found from sea level up to 2,900 meters (9,500 feet), but most commonly below 1,500 meters.

Preferred environments

Forest edges, secondary growth, gallery forests along rivers, and sometimes agricultural areas with scattered trees. They prefer areas with dense canopy cover for roosting and nesting, but forage in more open areas.

Behavior

Activity time

Diurnal, most active during early morning and late afternoon.

Feeding habits

Primarily feeds on seeds, fruits, nuts, berries, and flowers. They will also consume insects and their larvae, especially during breeding season to supplement protein intake. They forage in the canopy and mid-story of trees.

Social behavior

Highly social birds, typically found in flocks of 10 to 20 individuals, sometimes forming larger aggregations at communal roosts or abundant food sources. They maintain strong pair bonds within the flock.

Flight pattern

Fast, direct, and agile flight, often accompanied by rapid wing beats. They are highly acrobatic, especially when navigating dense forest canopies.

Migration pattern

Resident throughout their range; they do not undertake long-distance migrations. Local movements may occur in response to food availability.

Territoriality

While generally social, breeding pairs may exhibit some territoriality around their nest site during the breeding season.

Breeding & reproduction

Breeding season

Varies geographically, but generally between October and March in the southern parts of their range. In Bolivia, it can be from December to May.

Nesting habits

Nests are typically made in tree cavities, often old woodpecker holes, or sometimes in rock crevices. They do not add nesting material, relying on the natural substrate of the cavity.

Clutch size

3-7 eggs, typically 4-6.

Egg description

White, oval-shaped eggs.

Incubation period

Approximately 22-25 days.

Fledging period

Chicks fledge (leave the nest) around 6-8 weeks after hatching.

Parental care

Both parents participate in incubation and feeding of the young. The male often feeds the female during incubation, and both bring food to the nestlings.

Where to find

Field tips

1. Listen for Calls. Their distinctive chattering calls are often the first indication of their presence, especially when they are in flight or foraging in the canopy.
2. Look for Flocks. Green-cheeked Parakeets are social and usually found in small to medium-sized flocks. Scan the canopy for groups of birds moving together.
3. Observe Feeding Behavior. Watch for birds actively feeding on fruits, seeds, or flowers in trees. They can be quite acrobatic while foraging.
4. Early Morning/Late Afternoon. These are their most active periods for foraging and social interaction, making them easier to spot.

Similar species

Quick facts

Common Name:

Green-cheeked Parakeet

Scientific Name:

Pyrrhura molinae

Family:

Psittacidae

Size:

24-26 cm

Weight:

60-80 g

Diet:

Seeds, fruits, nuts, insects

Habitat:

Forests, forest edges, secondary growth

Conservation Status:

Least Concern

Social Behavior:

Highly social, found in flocks

Fun facts

• Green-cheeked Parakeets are one of the most popular pet parrot species due to their small size, intelligence, and affectionate nature.
• They are known for their playful antics and can be taught to mimic sounds and words, though they are not as proficient as some larger parrot species.
• In the wild, they play an ecological role as seed dispersers, helping to regenerate forest ecosystems.
• Their ability to blend into the forest canopy makes them surprisingly difficult to spot despite their bright green plumage, until they call or move.

Scientific classification

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Aves

Order

Psittaciformes

Family

Psittacidae

Genus

Pyrrhura

Species

Pyrrhura molinae

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