Blue-headed Parrots!

The Blue-headed Parrot (Pionus menstruus) is a medium sized parrot, one that is frequently heard than seen. But once 'discovered' you will certainly enjoy its presence too.

With a length of 28 cm, the Blue-headed Parrot can be seen as a medium sized parrot. In flight it reveals a short broad tail. It is common and widespread in the rainforest of: Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela, Brazil .. all the way in the Guyana's (British-Guyana, Suriname and French-Guyana). 

Even though they are common parrots, it often happens that it is difficult to spot them once they are perched in tree tops. It is that they understand the meaning of staying under the radar. Their entire head is rich blue with a grey/black patch on their ear coverts, the rest of their body is as green as the leaves.

​As they like to perch in tree tops with a blue sky background it often takes a while to spot them. To make it even more complicated, they like to move slowly and feed quietly within the canopy. I managed to spot some Blue-headed Parrots a couple of weeks ago enjoying the blossoms of an Inga tree. 

Both Macaws and Parrots have zygodactyl feet (2 toes pointing forward and 2 toes backward), giving them the ability to hold a fruit or nut without dropping them. Balance and flexibility at the same time!

Blue-headed Parrots are seen alone, in pairs or sometimes in a flock. As a flock they are recognizable by the way they are flying: in an irregular undisciplined line.

You may also like the following posts:

Parrots of Kabalebo - part 1

Parrots of Kabalebo - part 2