Graydidascalus brachyurus
The Short-tailed Parrot (Graydidascalus brachyurus) is a distinctive, albeit somewhat inconspicuous, neotropical parrot, unique as the sole member of its genus. This compact species measures 23-26 cm (9.1-10.2 inches) in length and weighs between 140-180 grams (4.9-6.3 oz), characterized by its remarkably short, square tail that gives it an almost stubby appearance. Its plumage is predominantly dull green, slightly paler on the underparts, with a small patch of dingy brownish-gray on the fore...
Found primarily in lowland humid evergreen forests, particularly favoring riparian zones and flooded forests. It typically inhabits elevations below 400 meters, though occasionally recorded up to 600 meters.
Their diet consists mainly of fruits, seeds, and blossoms, with a particular preference for figs, palm fruits, and fruits from *Cecropia*, *Virola*, and *Pourouma* trees. They forage by gleaning items directly from the canopy and subcanopy.
Short-tailed Parrots are diurnal and generally social, observed in pairs or small family groups, occasionally forming larger flocks of up to 30 individuals outside the breeding season or at communal roost sites. They forage primarily in the canopy and subcanopy, gleaning fruits, seeds, and flower...
The Short-tailed Parrot is a resident species found across a wide, though somewhat disjunct, distribution in northern South America within the Amazon Basin and the Guianas. Its primary range includes southeastern Colombia, eastern Ecuador, northeastern Peru, northern Bolivia, and western and cent...
Least Concern
- The Short-tailed Parrot holds the distinction of having one of the shortest tails relative to its body size among all New World parrots. - It is the sole species in its genus, *Graydidascalus*, highlighting its unique evolutionary path. - Despite being a parrot, it is often considered quite dra...