| Jandaya Parakeet | |
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Psittaciformes |
| Family: | Psittacidae |
| Genus: | Aratinga |
| Species: | A. jandaya |
| Binomial name | |
| Aratinga jandaya (Gmelin, 1788) |
|
The Jandaya Parakeet or Jenday Conure (Aratinga jandaya) is medium-small parrot native to wooded habitats in northeastern Brazil. It is a member of the Aratinga solstitialis complex.
It was first described by German naturalist Johann Friedrich Gmelin in 1788.
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The Jandaya conure is a medium-sized long-tailed parrot measuring up to 30 cm (12 in) in length with an orange head and neck. Appearing superficially similar to the Sun Parakeet, the Jandaya conure can be identified from its entirely green lesser wing-coverts, mantle and vent, in contrast to the rich yellow plumage of the Sun conure. While the Jandaya conure has a very loud, shrill call it may not have the high pitch of a Sun conure.
Jandaya Parakeets nest in tree hollows, typically choosing a location at least 15 m (50 feet) from the ground.[1] In captivity, the hen lays 3–6 eggs, which she will then incubate for approximately 26 days. The young are fed by both parents and fledge after two months.[2]
The Jandaya Parakeet can live up to 30 years in captivity.[3]
Like many of the parakeet species commonly kept as companion parrots, Jandaya Parakeets are known for their sweet, sociable disposition and playful behavior and their ability to learn new tricks as well as cuddling. These small parrots are highly intelligent, and can often learn several words and phrases, but are not known for their talking ability.
Jandaya Parakeets need interesting entertainment and interaction. Feather picking and susceptibility to psittacine diseases are the usual health concerns with this pet bird. A diet that consists of a combination of both pellets and sprouted seeds as well as fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, cooked brown rice, beans or pasta. Avocado, chocolate, and caffeine are toxic to Jandaya Parakeets. [3]
This species is believed to be the closest living relative of the extinct Carolina Parakeet. Like its extinct cousin, in the wild it is a cavity nester that has a predilection for various fruits and seeds as well as an unfortunate attraction to plants cultivated by humans (maize, members of the family annonacae, etc.) and a common status in the pet trade. The plumage of this bird, with the Sun Conure is very close to that of the Carolina's and can be distinguished from the Carolina Parakeet in the beak being black in the South American species and horn colored in the North American one.