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DESCRIPTION
8!/2 to 10 inches (21 to 25cm), tail is 4V4 inches (10.8cm).
Primarily green, darker on breast and underneath. Outer wing edges, epaulet
and primaries bright yellow. Blue under tail and possibly on wings. Eyes
brown, beak pale, legs pinkish. No visible sex distinction, immatures
duller.
NATURAL DISTRIBUTION
Amazon drainage basin and south over east, central and south Brazil, into
north and east Bolivia, Paraguay, north Argentina and eastern Peru.
HABITAT
Near forests and towns, in flocks, up to about 50. Nests in tree hollows,
nests of tree termites.
DIET
Parrot mix, cereal seeds, fruit (especially bananas, which they chew and
scatter, producing sticky cage) and green food.
SPECIAL NEEDS
Keep only in pairs until brooding time, protect from frost, supply bathing
and climbing facilities.
CAGE LIFE Friendly,
very tame and good breeder, but may be jealous of other pets. Can mimic
sounds and human voice, has a screeching call and may learn a few words.
When threatened, raises its wings and claps them together to make explosive
sound.
Needs beechwood nest box
(8 X 8 X 16 inches/ 20 X 20 X 40cm; entrance diameter 3 inches/Scm) with
IVi-inch (4-cm) thick layer of moist peat moss. Lays 3 to 6 white eggs,
incubation 23 to 26 days, fledging 50 to 60 days. Male stays on nest at
night. Young develop slowly, like to sleep on nest after fledging.
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