Black-Headed Caique
Description
The black-headed parrot (Pionites melanocephalus ; sometimes incorrectly Pionites melanocephala), also known as the black-headed caique, black-capped parrot or pallid parrot (for P. m. pallidus), is one of the two species in the genus Pionites of the family Psittacidae; the other species being the allopatric white-bellied parrot.
It is found in forest (especially, but not exclusively, humid) and nearby wooded habitats in the Amazon north of the Amazon River and west of the Ucayali River in Brazil, northern Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela. It is generally fairly common and occurs in many protected areas throughout its range.
It is most often found in pairs or small noisy flocks of up to 10 individuals, but sometimes up to 30. In the wild, they eat mostly flowers, pulp, and seeds and possibly insects.
The black-headed parrot is a medium-small, short-tailed parrot with a black crown, yellow to orange head, whitish belly, yellow thighs and crissum (the area around the cloaca), green back, wings and upper tail, blue primaries (blackish from below), and greyish-black bill and feet. The white breast feathers of wild caiques are often stained a chestnut brown (or 'isobel') colour. This may be tannin staining, as result of their particular affinity for bathing by rubbing their bodies against wet leaves and other plant matter.[2]
Male and female birds have identical plumage.
There are two subspecies of the black-headed parrot. They hybridize freely and individuals showing some level of intermediacy in color are common:
P. m. melanocephalus: Eastern part of its range. Orange thighs and crissum, nape deep orange, and belly white.
P. m. pallidus: Western part of its range. Yellow thighs and crissum, nape relatively pale, and belly tinged yellowish (often barely visible; belly normally appears "dirty white" in the wild).
Juveniles of both subspecies are strongly tinged yellow below.
Scientific Name
Pionites Melanocephala
Country Of Origin
South America
Size
Medium, 9 inches
Life Expectancy
30 years
Noise Level
Moderate
Talk / Trick Ability
Fair, likes to play, so benefits from trick training and can mimic sounds.
Characteristics
The black-headed caique is a ball of energy that likes to entertain with its clownish acrobats. Its upbeat, playful and loving personality gives bird enthusiasts a reason to like this parrot. These pet birds are comical, fearless and rarely back down to anyone or anything. Black-headed caiques like to be the center of attention but do not require constant attention. They can be fun birds to watch as they entertain themselves by playing and wrestling. Because this pet bird likes to play with its toys and hang upside down, provide a cage large enough for it to spread its wings, flap and hang around.
Behavior / Health Concerns
If not kept well entertained, the black-headed caique can become destructive and prone to screeching. They are generally hardy, but keepthe cage clean as they like to play and bounce around on the cage floor. This pet bird can be beaky and does sometimes become aggressive with other birds in the household, but the beakiness is exploring with their beak. If they are watched closely, the aggressive behavior can be controlled.
Expert Advice
“The black-headed caiques are more adventurous, sweeter dispositioned, and very inquisitive.”
Vicki Johnson, owner of Caique, Capers, and Mews
“Many caiques develop the odd habit of sleeping on their backs. They appear quite lifeless until they suddenly scramble up to greet you!”
Greg Burkett Diplomate ABVP Avian