Parrots

A couple of months ago I wrote about the Large Macaw family. They are easy to recognize as they are colorful and noisy large birds. Today I like to write about a smaller family: Parrots. 
Just like the Large Macaws, parrots are also social birds, living and foraging in large noisy groups. But unlike the Large Macaws they aren't easy to spot. Thanks to their 'camouflaged' uniform it took me years to identify some of the parrots. Since they have mastered being 'one' with the leaves, I was 'forced' to train both my eye sight and hearing. 

As I am still in training, I shall write about some of the parrots I was able to identify, photograph and recognize:

• The first and the easiest one was the Red-fan Parrot. They have a recognizable whistle-like sound, but more importantly is their unique way of flying. The Red-fan Parrot is the only member of the Parrot family that glides in mid air after some quick flapping with their wings.

Red - fan Parrot (Deroptyus accipitrinus) - here it is showing why it is called the Red-fan Parrot.

Red - fan Parrots eating berries together.

• The second one to identify was the Blue-headed Parrot. They have a recognizable 'blue' head. 

Blue-headed Parrot (Pionus menstruus) eating fruit from the Inga tree.

• Third was the Caica Parrot: small birds who can hide very well between the leaves. After taking several pictures I was able to identify this bird. You can't miss the black head.

Caica Parrot (Pionopsitta caica) - this one 'moved' so I was able to 'spot' it.

• Fourth one was the Mealy Amazon: this one was a tough cookie. It took me months to identify this one by myself, but I'm glad that this 'torture' is over.

Mealy Amazon (Amazona farinosa) having lunch

Identifying these parrots was time consuming for me. Especially when they were playing games with me by hiding between the leaves or by flying away quickly. But it is also a great challenge to discipline myself to keep on going. A challenge I am willing to accept.


I'll keep you posted!