What is caatinga parakeet?

The Caatinga Parakeet is a small to medium-sized parrot species native to the Caatinga scrublands of northeastern Brazil. It is also known as the Caatinga Parrot or grey-breasted parakeet. This parakeet is approximately 26 cm long and weighs around 80 to 100 grams.

They have a gray head, breast, and upper part of the back, with a greenish-yellow lower part of the back and wings. The tail feathers are blue-green on the upper side and yellow underneath, while the beak is pinkish-grey. They have a distinctive harsh-sounding call, which is usually heard in the early morning and late afternoon.

Caatinga parakeets are found in small flocks of six to ten individuals, and they usually feed on seeds, fruits and flowers of native plants. These parakeets breed between September and December. Females lay eggs in tree cavities, and the male feeds her during incubation.

The Caatinga Parakeet is considered a vulnerable species due to habitat destruction and illegal hunting for the pet trade. Conservation efforts are in place to help protect this unique and important species.