Painted Parakeet!

The Painted Parakeet (Pyrrhura picta) is the smallest of the Parrot family (22 cm). A common bird but due to its size and secretive behavior, also one of the most difficult to photograph. 

For years I have seen and heard the Painted Parakeets in Kabalebo. Either foraging in trees or flying to their next destination. Due to their size and weight (22 cm - 163 grams) they are so difficult to spot with the naked eye. As seen in the picture below, you can see why. Small birds resting high up in the trees. Only small shadows are visible, only by their sounds you will know that these are the Painted Parakeets. 

Painted Parakeets are small beautiful and colorful birds. It looks like they are representing the wonderful colors of nature but at the same time they also like to hide them, for their own safety. As you know, in nature it is all about survival of the fittest. You are either in a group or a champion in camouflage. The Painted Parakeet understood this law perfectly. 

As said before, I saw them frequently flying by. Revealing only their beautiful colors via my binoculars. But slowly but surely they reveal themselves to me. While taking pictures of the Painted Parakeets, tanagers and flycatchers were also nearby. At that time it crossed my mind how small they are. A tanager is at least 18 cm long, the Painted Parakeet 22 cm. The flycatchers and tanagers were at that moment really loud and restless while the Painted Parakeet was quietly enjoying its food. 

Painted Parakeets move in small noisy flocks foraging for food (berries). But the moment they start to eat, is the moment they are pretty quiet. 

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