Pionus chalcopterus
The Bronze-winged Parrot, *Pionus chalcopterus*, is a striking Neotropical parrot species known for its deep purplish-blue plumage, accented by distinctive coppery-bronze lesser and median wing coverts, which give the bird its common and scientific names. Measuring approximately 28 cm (11 inches) in length and weighing between 200-250 grams, it presents a rather stocky build with a relatively short, square tail. Key field marks include the iridescent bronze wing patch, a prominent white patch...
Primarily inhabits humid montane forests, cloud forests, and forest edges, ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 meters (3,300-9,800 feet) in elevation.
Feeds primarily on a variety of fruits, seeds, nuts, berries, flowers, and nectar, foraging in the forest canopy.
Bronze-winged Parrots are diurnal, often observed in pairs or small family groups, occasionally forming larger flocks of up to 50 individuals outside the breeding season, which gather at communal roosting sites in large canopy trees. They are agile arboreal foragers, using their strong feet to ho...
The Bronze-winged Parrot's geographic distribution spans the Andes mountains of South America. It is found in Colombia, extending from Norte de Santander south through the Central and Western Andes to Nariño. In Venezuela, its range is restricted to the Andean states of Mérida and Táchira. Furthe...
Least Concern
- The species name "chalcopterus" is derived from Greek words meaning "bronze" and "wing," perfectly describing its striking plumage. - Unlike many boisterous parrot species, Bronze-winged Parrots are known for their relatively quiet demeanor, making them popular in aviculture but harder to detec...