Fun Grey-cheeked Parakeet Facts For Kids
Gallery
The grey-cheeked parakeet (Brotogeris pyrrhoptera) is also known as the fire-winged parakeet because of its orange-flanked underwings. This bird species is endemic to western Ecuador and northwestern Peru.
Habitats of these parrots have been developing in the United States of America. The habitat range of this bird species consists of tropical and sub-tropical areas or regions like dry and lowland, moist forests, arable lands, and shrublands.
The nest of this bird species is made in hollow trees or termite mounds. Around four to six eggs are laid and the incubation is done by both parents for about 25-26 days.
The plumage of this bird species is mostly green in color and as the name suggests, it has gray cheeks and has a gray-bluish crown. The underside of the wings is known to have a bright orange area or orange flank between the coverts and the mantle.
The primary feathers of this bird are known to be bluish or bluish-green. The lores, chin, and cheek-to-ear coverts are pale gray in color.
The bill is known to have an orangish-brown tint. The juveniles are known to look like adults but do not have the bluish wash and the bill of the juveniles is dark brown in color.
Their diet in the wild consists of seeds, fruits, and vegetables, and these birds are fed a pelleted diet along with fresh fruits in captivity. The behavior of this bird is known to be quite active and not considered wild thus, they are known to make great pet birds.
These birds are known to have various behavior gestures and quite expressive body language. These birds have an Endangered status.
It is quite fascinating to learn more about this bird species, the grey-cheeked parakeet (Brotogeris pyrrhoptera) and if you are interested, read our articles on the palm cockatoo and pink cockatoo too.
Grey-Cheeked Parakeet Interesting Facts
What type of animal is a grey-cheeked parakeet?
The grey-cheeked parakeet (Brotogeris pyrrhoptera) or the fire-winged parakeet is a bird.
What class of animal does a grey-cheeked parakeet belong to?
This parakeet belongs to the class of Aves of birds.
How many grey-cheeked parakeets are there in the world?
It is believed that the population of these birds is around 15,000. According to the IUCN Red List, these birds are an Endangered species.
Where does a grey-cheeked parakeet live?
These parrots are endemic to western Ecuador and northwestern Peru. Habitats of these parrots have been developing in the United States of America.
What is a grey-cheeked parakeet's habitat?
The habitat range consists of tropical and sub-tropical areas or regions like dry, lowland, and moist forests, arable lands, and shrublands.
Who do grey-cheeked parakeets live with?
These parakeets can be spotted in small groups or pairs.
How long does a grey-cheeked parakeet live?
These parakeets are known to live for about 23 years on an average in captivity.
How do they reproduce?
These parrots or parakeets are known to mature sexually at about three years of age. They do not build their nest in the canopy of trees, but instead they build their nests in hollow trees or mounds of termites.
Around four to six eggs are laid and the incubation is shared by both the parents for about 25-26 days. After the eggs hatch, the eyes of the chicks or the young ones open in about 12 days.
What is their conservation status?
This species of parrot is known to be placed under the Endangered category of conservation status.
Grey-Cheeked Parakeet Fun Facts
What do grey-cheeked parakeets look like?
The plumage of this bird species is mostly green in color and as the name suggests, it has gray cheeks and a gray-blue crown. The underside of the wings is known to have a bright orange flank between the coverts and the mantle.
The primary feathers of this bird are known to be blue or bluish-green. The lores, chin, and cheek-to-ear coverts are pale gray in color. The bill is known to have an orangish-brown tint.
The eye-ring is bare and white in color and the eyes are dark brown in color. The juveniles are known to look like adults but do not have the blue wash and the bill of the juveniles is dark brown in color.
How cute are they?
These parakeets are considered cute because of their appearance.
How do they communicate?
Just like other bird species, these parrots are known to produce various sounds and calls to communicate.
How big is a grey-cheeked parakeet?
The length of this parrot is around 7.8 in (20 cm). It is smaller than a green parakeet and a sun parakeet.
How fast can a grey-cheeked parakeet fly?
The speed of this parrot is unknown, but its wingspan is around 4.7 in (12 cm).
How much does a grey-cheeked parakeet weigh?
The weight of this bird is around 1.9 oz (54 g).
What are the male and female names of the species?
There are no specific male and female names of this species.
What would you call a baby grey-cheeked parakeet?
While there is no particular name for a baby grey-cheeked parakeet (Brotogeris pyrrhoptera) or the fire-winged parakeet, it is generally referred to as chick, young one, or juvenile.
What do they eat?
The food of this parakeet consists of several fruits, vegetables, and seeds in the wild. They are known to be fed pelleted food or diet and some fresh fruits in captivity.
Are they dangerous?
This species is not considered dangerous.
Would they make a good pet?
Grey-cheeked parakeets or fire-winged parakeets are known to make great pet birds as they are not very large, quite active, and not wild. This bird or pet can be taught to mimic human voices.
Conures should be kept in pairs.
It has been observed that in its native place or range, that is, Ecuador and Peru, these birds or this species of birds are commonly kept as pet birds. However, the population of this birds has been given the status of Endangered so it is best we allow these birds to thrive in the wild.
Did you know...
John Latham described and named the grey-cheeked parakeet in 1801.
The grey-cheeked parakeet (Brotogeris pyrrhoptera) is also known as a fire-winged parakeet because of its orange-flanked underwings.
Grey-cheeked parakeets are known to be less noisy than their cousins who are cockatoos, conures, and macaws.
From the '70s to 1992, several numbers of these birds were imported to the United States. During that time, around the '70s-'90s, these birds were quite popular and were categorized under the 10 most popular birds.
In the United States, grey-cheeked parakeet breeders find it challenging or difficult to breed to this species successfully.
Green-cheeked conures are quite popular for their quiet and calm nature.
What sounds does a grey-cheeked parakeet make?
The calls of a grey-cheeked parakeet (Brotogeris pyrrhoptera) during a flight are known to be repeated trills and the calls are considered to be unsong-like and shrill when perched.
What is the behavior of a grey-cheeked parakeet?
These birds are known to show affection to their owners by being quite clingy. They love to be on someone's shoulders which is why many people choose birds as pets.
Some body language gestures include fluff and ruff, bow and bob, and putting their head down. The grey-cheeked parakeet is known to show how it feels through its crest. For instance, if the crest seems to be back with only the tip sticking or coming out, it means that the bird is relaxed and content.
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other birds from our Cape May warbler facts and chestnut-sided warbler facts pages.
You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable parrot mask coloring pages.
Grey-Cheeked Parakeet Facts
What Did They Prey On?
Seeds, vegetables, and fruitsWhat Type of Animal were they?
HerbivoresAverage Litter Size?
4-6 eggsHow Much Did They Weigh?
1.9 oz (54 g)What habitat Do they Live In?
dry forests and shrublandsWhere Do They Live?
peru and ecuadorHow Long Were They?
7.8 in (20 cm)How Tall Were They?
4.7 in (12 cm)Class
AvesGenus
BrotogerisFamily
PsittacidaeScientific Name
Brotogeris pyrrhopteraWhat Do They Look Like?
Green, gray, and blueSkin Type
FeatheryWhat Are Their Main Threats?
trade and habitat lossWhat is their Conservation Status?
Endangered
We Want Your Photos!
More for You
See All
Bachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature
Akinwalere OlaleyeBachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature
As a highly motivated, detail-oriented, and energetic individual, Olaleye's expertise lies in administrative and management operations. With extensive knowledge as an Editor and Communications Analyst, Olaleye excels in editing, writing, and media relations. Her commitment to upholding professional ethics and driving organizational growth sets her apart. She has a bachelor's degree in English Literature from the University of Benin, Edo State.
Bachelor of Commerce specializing in Marketing and HR
Pradhanya RaoBachelor of Commerce specializing in Marketing and HR
With a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from Christ University, Bangalore, Pradhanya's passion for the English language and literature led her to explore the field of content writing, where she has gained extensive experience in writing, reviewing, editing, and fact-checking. She has also earned certifications in Google Ads Search, Google Ads Display, and Social Media Marketing, showcasing her proficiency in digital marketing.
Disclaimer
1) Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. If you purchase using the Buy Now button we may earn a small commission. This does not influence our choices. Prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published but we cannot guarantee that on the time of reading. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content.
2) At Kidadl, we strive to recommend the very best activities and events. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability. Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
3) Because we are an educational resource, we have quotes and facts about a range of historical and modern figures. We do not endorse the actions of or rhetoric of all the people included in these collections, but we think they are important for growing minds to learn about under the guidance of parents or guardians.