Orange-Fronted Parakeet

Orange-fronted Parakeet, Orange-fronted Conure, Half Moon Conure (Eng.), Periquito Frentianaranjado (Sp.), Aratinga canicularis (Sci.) Introduced species, Puerto Rico.

Photo Wikipedia. Information compiled by Alan Mowbray, Interpretive Media Writer, EYNF/LEF

General Information

Taxonomy: Class – Aves, Order – Psittaciformes, Family – Psittacidae, Genus – Aratinga, Species – A. canicularis. In Puerto Rico, the Orange-fronted Parakeet is often mistaken for the endangered endemic Puerto Rican Parrot (Amazona vittata) which it resembles slightly from a distance.

Description

Aratinga canicularis is approximately 9.5 inches (24 centimeters) long and typically weighs around 2.8 ounces (80 grams). The adult is green above with paler yellowish underparts and olive green throat and breast. The wings have blue outer primaries with yellow linings and the pointed tail is tipped with blue. The legs are a dark taupe color. The head is distinctive with a blue crown, orange forehead, bare yellow eye-ring and yellow iris and a yellowish white bill. Young are similarly colored but with less orange on the forehead.

Habits

The Orange-fronted Parakeet feeds in flocks which can number as high as 100 individuals, feeding mainly on seeds, flowers and fruits including figs. Its flight call is a raucous “can-can-can” while when perched it emits a reedy “zee-weet” sound.
During breeding season, 3 to 4 white eggs are laid in an unlined nest cavity, typically self-excavated in an abandoned arboreal termite nest but occasionally in an old woodpecker hole or natural cavity.

Habitat

Found in lowlands and foothills of island mountain ranges near forest edges and open woodlands including savannah and second growth.

Threats

Listed as “near-threatened on the IUCN list of threatened species.

Where to look for this animal in the EYNF

Rarely seen inside the El Yunque National Forest it is often encountered near the forest’s edge in the lowland foothills surrounding the Forest.