Enicognathus ferrugineus
The Austral Parakeet (Enicognathus ferrugineus) is a captivating and robust parrot species native to the southern tip of South America, renowned as the world's southernmost parrot. Measuring 33-36 cm (13-14 inches) in length and weighing around 150-180g, its plumage is predominantly rich green, strikingly accented by a prominent maroon or rusty-red patch on its belly and often on the forehead. Its wings feature reddish-brown primary coverts and blue-grey flight feathers, complemented by a lon...
Found in temperate Nothofagus (Southern Beech) forests, mixed evergreen forests, and montane woodlands, ranging from sea level up to 2000 meters in elevation.
Primarily granivorous, feeding on seeds (especially Nothofagus species), fruits, berries, nuts, and flower buds. They forage by climbing, clinging, and on the ground.
Highly social, Austral Parakeets are typically observed in flocks of 10-30 individuals, though non-breeding aggregations can number in the hundreds. They forage both arboreally and terrestrially, using their powerful beaks to crack open tough seeds, particularly from Nothofagus trees, as well as ...
The Austral Parakeet is endemic to the southern Neotropics, with its distribution spanning southern Chile and southwestern Argentina. In Chile, its range extends from the Maule region south through the Aysén and Magallanes regions, reaching Tierra del Fuego. In Argentina, it occurs from Neuquén s...
Least Concern
- The Austral Parakeet holds the distinction of being the southernmost parrot species in the world, living as far south as Tierra del Fuego. - Its scientific name, *ferrugineus*, refers to the rusty-red or maroon coloration on its belly and forehead. - These resilient parrots can withstand surpri...