Cute Birdorable Burrowing Parakeets on a cliff in Argentina

Burrowing Parakeets in Argentina

Birds are known for their diverse nesting habits, constructions, and detail, from the basic yet functional pressed grass nests of American Robins, to the simple pile of sticks that Mourning Doves call nests, to the complex and intricately woven hanging nests of Baltimore Orioles.

Today we'll look at one bird species that takes an entirely different, fairly unique approach to nest-building, creating a living space that is as unique as it is fascinating. The Burrowing Parakeet, also known as the Burrowing Parrot or Patagonian Conure, has an extraordinary underground nesting habit, as well as a special ability at self- thermoregulation.

Burrowing Parakeets by Francesco Veronesi (CC BY-SA 2.0 Deed)

Found mainly in South America, particularly in Argentina and Chile, these medium-sized, long-tailed parakeets have adapted to a lifestyle that is quite uncharacteristic of what one might expect from such a bird. Instead of taking to the trees, the Burrowing Parakeet digs its home into the sides of cliffs, riverbanks, or even man-made structures, where soil conditions allow. These are not mere holes in the ground but elaborate tunnel systems that can extend several meters deep and connecting with other birds in the nesting colony.

The choice of underground burrows as nesting sites offers several advantages. Firstly, it provides excellent protection from predators, as the entrances are typically small and located in places that are difficult for other animals to access. Secondly, these burrows offer a stable environment that shields the birds from the harsh weather conditions typical of their natural habitats, such as extreme heat during the day and cold at night. But perhaps the most fascinating aspect of these burrows is how they aid in the bird's unique thermoregulation ability.

The Burrowing Parakeet has an interesting way of maintaining its body temperature compared to extreme cold temperature changes in its environment. Their underground burrows have a relatively constant temperature, significantly cooler than the outside air during hot days and warmer during cold nights. This natural insulation allows the birds to conserve energy that would otherwise be spent on regulating their body temperature through physiological means. In addition to the temperature benefits provided by the burrow, these little birds also increase their weight and decrease their metabolism to both conserve energy and withstand food shortages.

Breeding season sees the burrows come to life, as they become the center of the Burrowing Parakeet's social and reproductive activities. Each burrow becomes a nursery, where females lay their eggs and couples raise their young. The community aspect of these burrows is also noteworthy, with multiple pairs often nesting in close proximity, creating a bustling underground neighborhood. This social structure not only helps in defending against predators but also plays an important role in the learning and development of young parakeets, as they interact with not just their parents but also other members of their community.

Burrowing Parakeets by Dominic Sherony (CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED)

Birdorable Burrowing Parakeet Gift Ideas

Birdorable Grey-hooded Parakeet

Today’s new species is found in scrubland habitat in parts of Argentina and Bolivia. Welcome the Birdorable Grey-hooded Parakeet!

This cute species is known by other names in aviculture: Aymara Parakeet or Sierra Parakeet. Aymara refers to people local to part of the birds’ range, in the high plateau region around Lake Titicaca. A Sierra is a chain of mountains, again referring to the type of habitat where these parakeets are found in the wild.

Grey-hooded Parakeets feed on plant material, including seeds, fruits, nuts, and berries.

Grey-hooded Parakeets
Grey-hooded Parakeets in Capilla del Monte, Córdoba, Argentina by Nes (CC BY 2.0)

Tomorrow we’ll introduce an extremely high-flying species of goose found in parts of Asia. This bird is named for a pattern found on the back of its head. Can you guess what it is?

Cute Grey-hooded Parakeet Gifts

Birdorable Monk Parakeet

Monk Parakeets, also known as Quaker Parrots in aviculture, are medium-sized parakeets with a mostly green plumage, gray at the forehead and throat, and a pale pink bill. Here are some facts about these cute birds:

  • The native range of Monk Parakeets is around subtropical parts of Argentina and surrounding countries in South America.
  • There are many self-sustaining feral populations of Monk Parakeets outside of South America, mainly in Europe and North America.
  • The Monk Parakeet was brought to the United States in the late 1960s as a pet. The first feral Monk Parakeet to be recorded in the U.S. was in New York in 1967. Many birds escaped or were intentionally released, and populations were allowed to proliferate. By the early 1970s, Monk Parakeets were established in seven states, and by 1995 they had spread to eight more. There are now thought to be approximately 100,000 in Florida alone.
  • The Monk Parakeet is the only parrot that builds a stick nest rather than using a hole in a tree. These birds typically build their nest in a tree or on a man-made structure.
  • These huge nests attract many other tenants, including birds of prey such as the Spot-winged Falconet or ducks such as the Yellow-billed Teal.
  • Monk Parakeets often breed colonially and build a single large nest with multiple entrances for each pair. In the wild these colonies can become quite large, with nests that can reach the size of a small car.
  • There are four recognized subspecies:
    • Myiopsitta monachus monachus -- Lives from southeastern Argentina and Uruguay and is the largest subspecies;
    • Myiopsitta monachus calita -- Native to the Andean foothills from southeastern Bolivia to Paraguay and northwestern Argentina. Has wings more prominently blue and darker gray head than other subspecies;
    • Myiopsitta monachus cotorra -- Nests in cliffs in southwestern Brazil and has less yellow below and is brighter overall;
    • Myiopsitta (monachus) luchsi (aka Cliff Parakeet) -- Has no scalloping on breast, underparts are brighter yellow and lives in the Andean valleys of central Bolivia.
  • The Cliff Parakeet subspecies may eventually be recognized as its own species again, as it has been on-and-off since it was first described in 1868.
  • The lifespan of a Monk Parakeet is 15 to 20 years in the wild and 25 to 30 years in captivity.
  • Other names for this bird are: Quaker Parrot, Monk Parrot or Quaker Parakeet.
  • A group of parakeets is collectively called a "chatter" or a "flock" of parakeets.
  • Quaker Parrots are popular pet birds for their comical personalities and energetic nature, but they are also notoriously loud and noisy birds, so take caution before rushing out to get one. They can live to be 30 years old, so caring for one is a long commitment. The birds are also illegal to keep in some U.S. states, especially in the south due to the established feral populations.
  • The Monk Parakeet was added to Birdorable in August 2007 and we have hundreds of original customizable gifts with this cute bird. Check out our cute Monk Parakeet gifts or our other Birdorable parrots and parakeets.
cotorritas argentinas 04 Monk Parakeet, Myiopsitta monachus
Photo by Ferran Pestaña (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Monk Parakeet / Myiopsitta monachus / 翁鸚哥(オキナインコ)
Photo by TANAKA Juuyoh (田中十洋) (CC BY 2.0)

Cute Monk Parakeet Gifts

This week's featured t-shirt design is our I Love Budgies with three Birdorable Budgerigars in a row. They include the gray budgie, blue budgie and blue-and-yellow budgie. Cute gifts here for budgie lovers!

Birdorable I Love Budgies T-Shirt

The Most Birdorable Time of the Year: A Parrot Christmas Tree

As the holiday season twinkles upon us, what better way to celebrate than with a delightful flock of Birdorable parrots and parakeets, all perched together in the most festive formation? Behold the Christmas tree that chirps and chatters, a uniquely feathered creation, where Macaws, Conures, Cockatiels, Budgies, Linnies, Cockatoos, and many more charming birds come together to embody the spirit of the season in an original holiday design.

This heartwarming assembly of Birdorable birds isn't just a merry gathering; it's a colorful representation of the diversity and beauty of our avian friends. From the majestic Macaws with their brilliant blues and sunny yellows to the playful Budgies and their myriad of greens, blues, and yellows, each bird adds its own dash of color and character to the tree. The Conures with their splashes of green, red, and yellow look as though they've been dipped in the very essence of traditional holiday colors, while the Cockatiels, with their elegant gray plumage and cheeky crests, bring a touch of grace to the mix.

Birdorable Parrots and Parakeets Christmas Tree design

This is a great design for parrot lovers and bird enthusiasts — a way to include your passion for birds into your holiday celebrations. Available on a variety of products, this design makes for perfect holiday-themed gifts, whether you're treating yourself or surprising a fellow bird lover. It's a whimsical addition to any holiday decor, bringing a flock of cheer and a reminder of the vibrant life that thrives beyond our wintery windows.

As we wrap up the year and nestle into the comfort of our homes, let's not forget the colorful world of birds that continues to thrive and enchant us. May this Birdorable parrot Christmas tree light up your holidays and fill your season with the cheerfulness and beauty of our feathered friends.

The Perfect Gift for Parrot Lovers: A Birdorable Heart of Parrots

Feathers, beaks, and a whole lot of heart—our Birdorable parrots and parakeets truly know how to pull our heartstrings! In this whimsically crafted design, a flock of the cutest, most colorful birds come together to form a heart, showcasing a tapestry of affection and avian allure. From the striking macaws and vibrant conures to the charming cockatiels and cuddly cockatoos, every bird adds its unique touch to this feathered mosaic of love.

Bird lovers know that the beauty of parrots and parakeets goes beyond their bright plumage and playful antics; it's also found in the bonds they form with each other and with us. Each species, with its own distinct personality and quirks, brings joy to those who appreciate the wonder of birds. And what better way to celebrate that joy than by bringing them together in a heartwarming display?

Birdorable Parrot Heart

This original Birdorable design isn't just a colorful celebration of parrots and parakeets; it's a symbol of the diversity and unity that can be found in the bird world—and, by extension, our own. Just as these birds flock together in harmony, we too can find strength and joy in our collective love for these feathered friends.

Parrots and parakeets are known for their intelligence, their sociability, and their capacity for affection. They're creatures that thrive on interaction, whether it's with their flock mates or their human families. This design captures that spirit of community and togetherness, making it the perfect gift for any parrot lover, signaling that you understand and share their passion for these magnificent creatures.

Imagine the conversations that this design could spark, the stories of bird companionship it could inspire, and the shared moments of appreciation for our avian companions. It's not just a gift; it's an invitation to connect over a shared love of parrots, to exchange tales of their cleverness, their antics, and the joy they bring into our lives.

In conclusion, this flock of Birdorable parrots and parakeets, arranged in a heart, is more than just an adorable pattern. It's a reflection of what birds mean to us: joy, color, life, and above all, love. Whether you're an avid birdwatcher, a parrot parent, or someone who admires the beauty of birds from afar, this design is sure to capture your heart, just as these charming birds have captured ours.