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Biologists have only recently begun to study the Golden Parakeet (or golden conure) in the wild, and consequently there is still much that is not known about this species. It appears to be semi-nomadic, moving into different habitats with the changing seasons, and field observations suggest it is highly gregarious, occurring in small flocks of three to thirty closely related birds.

The plumage of the Golden Parakeet is mostly bright yellow but it also possesses green remiges. It has a white or pinkish ring around each eye and a large horn-coloured bill. Juvenile Golden Parakeets are duller than the adults and are conspicuously streaked with green, particularly on the head and tail. They are a medium-sized parrots that grow to around 34 cm long. The call is a high pitched note uttered alone or in rapid succession.

The Golden Parakeet is endemic to Brazil. Their habitat is restricted to the Amazon basin. It occurs in lowland rainforest habitat. During the dry season, it is most common in the canopy of tall forests on dry, well drained soils but during the wet season the golden parakeet occurs more frequently in open areas with scattered trees.

The Golden Parakeets breeding system is almost unique amongst parrots, as pairs are aided by a number of helpers which aid in the raising of the young. Golden Parakeets reaches sexual maturity at the age of three years. The breeding season, which generally occurs from December to April, corresponds with the wet season. They nest in cavities in high and isolated trees, in open areas near continuous forest and are sometimes communal with several females contributing two to three eggs to each nest. The incubation period for the eggs is about 30 days, in which the male and female take turns incubating. In the first few years of sexual maturity, Golden Parakeets tend to lay infertile clutches until the age of six to eight.  At birth, Golden Parakeets are covered in white down that eventually turns darker within a week. By the end of the third week, wing feathers start to develop. Juveniles are playful, but may turn abusive against their peers. Nestlings are preyed upon by toucans, which may explain their social behaviour. Nests are vigorously defended from toucans by several members of the group.

The diet of the Golden Parakeet is varied and comprises of several items in primary or secondary forests, including whole fruit, seeds, pulp, buds and flowers, nectar and peel. They will also feed on cultivated plants. Golden Parakeets are not a “food specialist parrot”.

The Golden Parakeet is Classified as “an endangered species”.

Although the Golden Parakeet has probably always been relatively scarce, its numbers have been declining for some time. Undoubtedly, deforestation and rampant exploitation for the caged-bird trade are chiefly responsible for its precarious status. Sadly, it is also hunted for food, feathers and sport and to reduce damage to crops. In some parts of it’s range, it has already become extinct. The Golden Parakeet is protected by Brazilian law and since 1973 has been listed under Appendix I of the Convention on International in Endangered Species (CITES), which permits trade in this species only under exceptional circumstances. Unfortunately, the human and financial resources available to prevent wildlife exploitation are limited and consequently illegal trapping remains prolific and many birds continue to be smuggled out of Brazil. 

Photos of the Golden Parakeet were taken at Parque de Aves - Foz do Iguacu - Parana.

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