Hawk-Headed Parrot
Description
The hawk-headed parrot (Deroptyus accipitrinus), also known as the red-fan parrot, is an unusual New World parrot hailing from the Amazon Rainforest. It is the only member of the genus Deroptyus.
It dwells in Ecuador, Suriname, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, areas of northeast Peru, Venezuela, French Guiana and Guyana.
The red-fan parrot possesses elongated neck feathers that can be raised to form an elaborate fan, which greatly increases the bird's apparent size, and is possibly used when threatened. It generally lives in undisturbed forest, feeding in the canopy on fruits. It has a dark brown face with white streaks, bare black patch round its brown eye, green wings, flanks and tail and red and blue barred breast.
Scientific Name
Deroptyus Accipitrinus
Country Of Origin
Size
Life Expectancy
Noise Level
Moderate
Talk / Trick Ability
Fair, can learn to talk
Characteristics
Hawk-headed parrots are playful and will hang upside down, roll around and shriek or giggle for attention. The hawk-headed parrots closely bond with their owners, but beware of their high energy and excitable nature. Owners should refrain from over stimulating hawk heads while playing. Hawk-headed parrots like to be held close, but also like to hang, swing and play alone while you watch. They are prone to nervousness, even if hand-raised, so learn to read your hawk head’s mood and you’ll reduce the number of unsolicited nips. The hawk-headed parrot is not recommended for novice bird owners and better for experienced caretakers.
Behavior / Health Concerns
Hawk-headed parrot are prone to biting and excessive aggressiveness, usually due to being startled or feeling insecure. Move cautiously and let your hawk head learn to trust you through established interaction. Without proper socialization when they are young and hand-fed, the hawk-headed parrot can be difficult to deal with during adulthood. Hawk heads can become very territorial around their cage or aviary. Feed your hawk-headed parrot a diet consisting of both pellets and seeds as well as a wide array of fresh fruits and vegetables, such as papaya, grapes, oranges, apples, carrots and beets.