Fauna
Bird

Bronze-winged Parrot

Pionus chalcopterus

Also known as Bronze-winged Pionus

Bronze-winged parrots travel through Andean cloud forests in pairs or small noisy flocks, flashing vivid iridescent bronze and cobalt wing patches when taking flight. They forage high in the canopy on ripe fruits and tree seeds, vanishing easily among shadowy foliage thanks to their dark plumage. Mated pairs maintain bonds through mutual preening and low chuckling vocalizations, utilizing hollow tree cavities high above the forest floor for nesting.

Canopy DwellerSocialMontane
Bronze-winged Parrot reference1 / 7
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyFicus figs, Clusia fruits, Palm nuts
Predators
  • Black-and-chestnut Eagle
  • Bat Falcon
  • Tayra
ThreatsDeforestation, forest fragmentation, and illegal pet trade trapping
HabitatsHumid montane forests, cloud forests, and woodland edges
Life span20–30 years
Classification
  1. OrderPsittaciformes
  2. FamilyPsittacidae
  3. GenusPionus
  4. SpeciesPionus chalcopterus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Possesses a powerful beak capable of a severe defensive bite if cornered; observe from a distance.
Why it is dangerous
Possesses an exceptionally strong, sharp bill that can inflict deep puncture wounds if gripped or cornered.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Distinguished by dark bronze wings, deep blue neck feathers, and bright red undertail coverts.
What to do
Do not attempt to touch or capture grounded birds; contact local wildlife rescue if one appears injured.
Responsible observation
  • Listening: Listen for high-pitched, rasping flight calls echoing across mountain valleys early in the morning.
  • Optics: Use binoculars to scan dense fruiting trees where their dark plumage easily blends into deep shade.
  • Patience: Watch quietly around forest canopy gaps where flocks cross between feeding areas.
Related species
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