The Nanday Parakeet (Aratinga nenday) is a species of small to medium-sized parrot native to South America. They are approximately 12-14 inches in length and weigh around 4.5-5.5 ounces. They are typically green with black markings around their eyes and beak, a blue tail, and a grey head. The most distinguishing field mark is the bold black feathering on their forehead, which gives them a distinctive appearance.
Nanday Parakeets are known for their migratory behavior, with some populations moving from their breeding grounds in South America to the warmer climates of Central America and southern Mexico during the winter months. These migratory movements can cover significant distances, with some birds traveling as far as 600 miles to reach their wintering grounds.
In addition to their migratory behavior, Nanday Parakeets are also known for their highly social nature. They often form large flocks in the wild and are commonly kept as pets due to their outgoing personalities and ability to mimic human speech.
Nanday Parakeets are primarily found in the wild in grassland and forest habitats throughout South America, including Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. They are known to thrive in both rural and urban environments and are commonly found in parks and gardens in urban areas.
While the Nanday Parakeet is not currently considered endangered, it is important to note that habitat loss and illegal capture for the pet trade are potential threats to their populations. Conservation efforts are underway to monitor and protect their populations, and education efforts aim to discourage the illegal capture and trade of these birds.