General Information

Until recently, the Brown-hood Parrot was placed in the genus Pionopsitta, which now is restricted to the type species, Pileated Parrot. It is currently in the genus Gypopsitta.

Physical Description

The Brown-hooded Parrot is 21 cm long and weighs 165 g. The adult has a brown head and neck, which is darker on the face, especially in males. Both male and female have a red ear-patch. The rest of the body is mainly green, and has an olive tone to the breast. The wings are blue on the outer primaries with red lining, which shows well in flight. The tail has reddish sides, and the eye-ring and bill are pale. The young birds are similar to the adults, but paler, duller, and without red on the head

Diet

The Brown-hooded Parrot feeds in pairs or small flocks of up to 15 birds. They eat various seeds and fruits, including figs, from trees and epiphytes. It can be difficult to see the Brown-headed Parrot when feeding since it is slow moving, usually silent, and keeps in the canopy.

Habitat

The parrot is a resident breeding species from southeastern Mexico to North-western Colombia It is found in lowlands and foothills locally up to 1600 m altitude in forest canopy and edges, and adjacent semi-open woodland and second growth.

Reproduction

The 3-6 white eggs are laid in an unlined nest, usually a natural cavity in a tree.