| Mitred Parakeet | |
|---|---|
| A feral Mitred Parakeet in Florida | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Psittaciformes |
| Family: | Psittacidae |
| Genus: | Aratinga |
| Species: | A. mitrata |
| Binomial name | |
| Aratinga mitrata (Tschudi, 1844) |
|
The Mitred Parakeet (Aratinga mitrata), also known as the Mitred Conure in aviculture, is a species of green and red parrot in the Psittacidae family. It is native to the forests and woodlands in the Andes from north-central Peru, south through Bolivia, to north-western Argentina,[2] with introduced populations in California, Florida and Hawaii.[3] It may constitute a cryptic species complex.[2]
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A relatively long-tailed species with a total length of 34–38 cm (13–15 in).[4] Adults are mainly green with varying amounts of red to the face and thighs, a relatively conspicius bare white eye-ring, and a heavy, pale bone-coloured bill. Juveniles show little or no red to the plumage.[5]
Unlike most of its relatives (Scarlet-fronted, Red-masked, White-eyed, Cuban, and Hispaniolan Parakeet), adults at most show one or two red feathers at the bend of the wing.[6]
Its natural habitats are forest (both deciduous[6] and humid[4]), woodland, and nearby habitats at altitudes of 1000–3400 m (3300–11150 ft),[7] with a single possible record from 4000 m (13100 ft).[5] The introduced population in California primarily occurs in urban parks and residential areas.[8] There are some seasonal movements in response to the availability of food.[2] It is generally common to locally abundant,[7] and when occasionally foraging in cultivated areas, it may cause considerable damage to crops.[9] It is therefore considered to be of least concern by IUCN.[1] The introduced Californian population had increased to c. 1000 birds by 2002,[10] while the introduced population on Maui, despite attempts of eradication, had increased to c. 200 birds by 2003.[11]
It is social and typically seen in small flocks,[4] but may gather in groups of up to 100 outside the breeding period.[6] Exceptionally, flocks of up to 2000 may gather at roosting places.[9] Breeds colonially on cliffs,[7] and, in Argentina at least, sometimes in hollows in dead trees.[9] It lays 2-3 eggs.[6] In captivity, 3-4 eggs reported, and an incubation time of 23 days.[9] It primarily feeds on seeds, nuts and fruits.[6] The flight-call is a high ringing kerEET.[4]
The taxonomy has recently undergone significant changes with the description of two new subspecies, and the proposed elevation of the taxon alticola, traditionally considered a subspecies of the Mitred Parakeet, to species status as the Chapman's Parakeet (A. alticola). Additionally, a new cryptic species from this complex has been described, the Hocking's Parakeet (A. hockingi).[2] These proposals have yet to receive widespread recognition,[4][12][13] at least in part due to the problems involved in field identification of the new taxa and uncertainties regarding possible age-related variations.[14] Recent work has been unable to confirm the differences upon which A. m. tucumana was described in 2006, leading to recommendations of treating it as a junior synonym of A. m. mitrata.[15]
Traditional taxonomy:[6][7][13]
Taxonomy as proposed in 2006:[2]
The subspecies seen in American aviculture is Aratinga m. mitrata (though this is labelled with some uncertainty considering the recent developments in the taxonomy). Popular as pet, the Mitred Conures are considered outgoing and playful. They are even used as "watch birds", given their loud, piercing alarm call. As most parrots, they tend to be devoted to their human owners. Though they have been known to grow attached to groups, other than individuals. They make great pets for people who will devote their time and money and will understand the birds natural behaviors; screaming, biting, splashing, etc.)