General

Mitred Parakeet: Fairly large green parakeet with red forehead grading into scattered bright red feathers on crown, face, cheek, and sometimes on the bend in the wing. Dull green underparts are faintly washed olive. Sexes similar. Juvenile shows less red and has a brown rather than orange iris.

Range and Habitat

Mitred Parakeet: In its native range occurs in mountain valleys in a narrow band from southern Peru to northern Argentina. Populations of escaped birds also established in Los Angeles, California, and south Florida. Prefers dry subtropical forest, but also uses cultivated areas and grasslands with scattered trees. Frequently found near rocky cliffs.

Breeding and Nesting

Mitred Parakeet: Little known. May lay two to three white eggs in tree cavities or rock crevices.

Foraging and Feeding

Mitred Parakeet: Travels in groups of 2 to 100 in search of fruit, berries, and nuts. Usually feeds in forests, but may visit open areas in search of grain.

Vocalization

Mitred Parakeet: Loud screeching "weee weee" or "cheeah cheeah."

Similar Species

Mitred Parakeet: Red-masked Parakeet has more extensive red on head and leading edge of wing. Green Parakeet has much less red overall. In its native range the Red-fronted Parakeet is extremely similar but has a red forehead, while the White-eyed Parakeet has conspicuous red and yellow patch on its underwing coverts.