<trp-post-container data-trp-post-id='360382'>Yellow-chevroned Parakeet

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En bref

  • Scientific Name: Brotogeris chiriri
  • Spanish Name: Perico Chelelé
  • Famille : Psittacidae
  • Known Nicknames: Yellow-chevroned Parakeet, Chiriri Parakeet
  • Average Length: 22–25 cm / 8.7–9.8 in
  • Average Weight: 63–78 g / 2.2–2.8 oz
  • Envergure : N/A
  • Key Feature: Bright yellow patch on the leading edge of the wing (underwing coverts)
  • Régime alimentaire principal : Principalement frugivore et granivore
  • Range: Central South America (eastern Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, northern Argentina)
  • Habitat: Lowland forests, savannas, gallery forests, and urban areas
  • Structure sociale : Très sociable
  • Nesting/Breeding: Tree hollows, often in dead palms or termite nests
  • Statut de conservation : Préoccupation mineure (LC)
  • Évolution démographique : Stable

The Yellow-chevroned Parakeet (*Brotogeris chiriri*) is a vibrant, small parrot native to central South America, easily recognized by its bright green body and the distinctive, bright yellow patch on the underside of its wing (the "chevron" that gives it its name). Its general appearance is sleek and streamlined, with a short, square tail and a pale, horn-colored beak, setting it apart from the similar White-winged Parakeet. A special feature is its highly social and acrobatic nature; these birds are often seen in noisy, fast-flying flocks that can descend on fruit trees with remarkable coordination. Despite their small size, they possess a loud, chattering call and are known for their adaptability to urban environments, making them a common and engaging sight in city parks and gardens across their range.

Faits amusants

Despite their vibrant green and yellow plumage, these parakeets have a hidden talent: they are masters of "anting," a quirky behavior where they rub ants or other insects over their feathers, using the formic acid as a natural insecticide and fungicide. They are also avid bathers, often seen hanging upside-down from wet leaves during rainstorms to catch droplets. An unusual adaptation is their ability to sleep while hanging horizontally from a branch, using their strong, zygodactyl feet to lock onto the perch without muscular effort. In the wild, they display a surprising form of cooperation, with mated pairs often preening each other's heads and even feeding one another via regurgitation, a behavior that strengthens their lifelong pair bonds.

Habitats et répartition

The Yellow-chevroned Parakeet is native to central South America, with its natural range extending across Bolivia, Paraguay, southern Brazil, and northern Argentina. It primarily inhabits lowland forests, including gallery forests along rivers, as well as woodland edges, savannas, and palm groves. It also thrives in semi-open and disturbed habitats such as agricultural areas, urban parks, and gardens, where it often adapts to human-modified landscapes. Feral populations have become established in parts of Florida and California in the United States, usually in suburban neighborhoods with mature trees.

Comportements & Reproduction

These parakeets are highly social, forming noisy flocks that roost and forage together, with strong pair bonds maintained within the larger group. Mating pairs engage in mutual preening and allofeeding to reinforce their bond, and they typically nest in tree cavities, termite mounds, or even abandoned woodpecker holes. Reproduction is cooperative in some wild populations, where non-breeding helpers, often previous offspring, assist with feeding the female and later the chicks. A unique strategy involves the female remaining inside the nest for extended periods after laying 3-5 white eggs, relying entirely on the male and any helpers for food delivery. The chicks fledge after about 6-7 weeks but continue to be fed by the group for several more weeks, which increases survival rates in their South American habitat.

Alimentation

The Yellow-chevroned Parakeet is primarily a frugivore and granivore, with a diet heavily centered on fruits, seeds, and flowers. In the wild, they favor palm fruits, figs, and berries, often foraging in noisy flocks within the forest canopy. A particularly interesting aspect of their feeding behavior is their fondness for the nectar and pollen of flowering trees, especially from species like the *Erythrina* (coral tree), using their brush-tipped tongues to extract it. They are also known to raid cultivated crops, such as mangoes, papayas, and corn, which sometimes brings them into conflict with farmers. In urban areas, these adaptable parakeets have been observed consuming the soft, unripe seeds of kapok trees and even licking sap from tree wounds, demonstrating a flexible and opportunistic diet.

Couleurs

The Yellow-chevroned Parakeet is primarily bright green with a pale grayish-brown throat and chest. Its most distinctive feature is a bold yellow wing patch, or "chevron," visible in flight, along with blue primary flight feathers and a long, pointed tail. It lacks the red shoulder patch of similar species and has a pale, horn-colored beak. Its green plumage provides effective camouflage in the forest canopy.

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