Dusky-headed Parakeet

The Dusky-headed Parakeet is a small, sociable parrot found year-round in Ecuador’s eastern lowland forests, particularly within the Amazon basin where it favors semi-open habitats like forest edges, várzea, and secondary growth. It is generally common and often seen in noisy flocks feeding on fruits, seeds, flowers, and insect larvae, with frequent visits to clay licks to ingest mineral-rich soil that helps neutralize dietary toxins. Globally listed as Least Concern, its population is suspected to be slowly declining due to habitat loss, though its adaptability to disturbed areas offers some resilience. Nesting occurs in tree cavities or arboreal termite nests, with both parents sharing chick-rearing duties—a cooperative trait that complements its gregarious nature.