A characteristic parrot of the montane forests of the Yungas, measuring approximately 32 cm in length, with a robust build, short tail, and broad, rounded wings. Its overall plumage is green with a distinctive dark scaled pattern, particularly noticeable on the neck and belly. The forehead is red, and the wings display a red patch on the primary coverts along with a bluish edge on the flight feathers, especially conspicuous in flight. It has a prominent white periocular ring, a pale pink bill, and grayish legs. Males and females are similar, although females usually show a less extensive red wing patch. Juveniles are duller in coloration than adults.
Geographic distribution: It occurs throughout the Yungas of southern Bolivia and northwestern Argentina, inhabiting the provinces of Jujuy, Salta, Tucumán, and Catamarca. It is found mainly in montane forests between approximately 1,500 and 2,500 m above sea level. It performs seasonal altitudinal movements, descending to lower elevations during winter.
Habitat: This species is characteristic of the montane forests of the Yungas. It is especially associated with forests dominated by alder (Alnus acuminata) and mountain podocarp (Podocarpus parlatorei), although it also uses other montane forest habitats and adjacent ecotones. It primarily occupies the middle and upper forest strata, using large trees both for feeding and nesting.
Diet: It feeds mainly on fruits, seeds, flowers, and buds, showing a strong seasonal dependence on mountain podocarp, one of its most important food resources. It also consumes fruits and seeds from numerous native montane forest species, adjusting its diet according to seasonal food availability.
Behavior: It is a social parrot that usually travels in pairs, family groups, or flocks, particularly during seasonal movements. It is very noisy in flight, producing loud, metallic calls that are higher-pitched than those of other parrots of the same genus occurring within its range, often revealing its presence even from great distances. While feeding in the canopy, however, it becomes much quieter and may even go unnoticed (personal obs.). During winter, it may gather at communal roosts and move to lower elevations within the Yungas.
Nesting: It nests in natural cavities of large trees, often using holes previously excavated by woodpeckers. The female generally lays two to four white eggs and performs the incubation, while both members of the pair later participate in feeding and caring for the chicks.
Conservation status: Classified as Vulnerable (VU) globally and Threatened (AM) in Argentina. Its survival depends closely on the conservation of the montane Yungas forests, particularly mature forests dominated by alder and mountain podocarp, where it finds both food and nesting cavities. Habitat loss and illegal trapping for the pet trade have historically been the main causes of its population decline. For decades, thousands of individuals were exported until international trade was prohibited through its inclusion in CITES Appendix I. During winter, when many birds gather in communal roosts and descend to lower elevations, the species becomes particularly vulnerable to trapping. It is currently present in several protected areas of northwestern Argentina, although effective protection of montane forests and the prevention of illegal capture remain essential for its conservation.
Author of this compilation: María Belén Dri and Diego Carús – 06/28/2026