Pyrrhura rupicola
The Black-capped Parakeet (Pyrrhura rupicola) is a strikingly marked, medium-sized parrot native to the western Amazon Basin, renowned for its highly gregarious nature and distinctive plumage. Measuring approximately 22-24 cm (8.7-9.4 in) in length and weighing 70-80 grams, this vibrant species is primarily green with a prominent black cap covering its forehead, crown, and nape. Unique field marks include the intricate white scaling on its hindneck, ear-coverts, and sides of the neck, creatin...
Found primarily in lowland humid forests, including terra firme and riverine forest edges, often in association with rocky outcrops and cliffs. Typically occurs at elevations up to 1000 meters (3,300 feet).
Primarily frugivorous, consuming a variety of fruits (e.g., Ficus, Cecropia), seeds (including those from the Meliaceae family), and flowers. They also occasionally supplement their diet with insect larvae.
Black-capped Parakeets are highly gregarious and diurnal, typically seen in noisy flocks of 10-20 individuals, often gathering in groups of 100 or more outside the breeding season. They forage actively in the canopy for fruits, seeds, flowers, and occasionally insects, demonstrating agility among...
The Black-capped Parakeet is endemic to the western Amazon Basin, with its core range extending across eastern Peru, extreme western Brazil, and northern Bolivia. In Peru, it is found widely east of the Andes, particularly in the departments of Loreto, Ucayali, Madre de Dios, and Cusco. Its Brazi...
Least Concern
- The Black-capped Parakeet is famous for its unusual nesting sites, often choosing rock crevices and cliff faces rather than solely tree hollows. - These parakeets are highly social birds, often forming large, noisy flocks of over 100 individuals outside the breeding season. - Despite their vibr...