Barraband's Parrot

Description: Mostly green, head black, cheeks orange-yellow; olive-yellow breast and throat; yellow thighs; edge of wing and under wing-coverts orange-red; middle tail feathers have blue tips; bill black; iris dark brown; grey feet.

Length: Ten inches (25 cm).

Distribution: The parrot is found in south America in southern to east Venezuela, Southeast Colombia and parts of Brazil to the upper Amazon.

Habitat: Found in forests - subtropical and tropical zones.

Wild Status: These parrots are probably more common than generally accepted. Barraband's parrots can be found singly or in pairs or small groups. They are cautious in the wild especially when seeking out mineral salts which they enjoy.

Aviculture: These parrots are quiet and need a sheltered flight.

Accommodation: Inside flight: 9 x 6 x 6 ft (3 x 2 x 2 m). They require a minimum temperature of 68° F (20° C) and higher when acclimatising. They also need a roosting box of 10 x 10 x 24ins (25 x 25 x 60 cm).

Natural Diet: Fruits; berries and seeds found in tree tops; regularly seeks minerals often from river banks.

Breeding in Aviculture: Has not been achieved to date (12-02-2004).

As a Pet: This parrot has not been breed in aviculture so has not really been tried as a pet.