Aymara Parakeets aka Sierra Parakeets

Aymara Parakeets (Psilopsiagon aymara), also known as Sierra Parakeets, are endemic to Central Bolivia and north-western Argentina.

Description:

The Sierra Parakeets average 8 inches (18 to 20 cm) in length (including the tail). The general plumage is green. The forehead, crown, back of head, nape, lores (the regions between the eyes and bill on the side of a bird’s head) and ear-coverts are dark grey. Their cheeks, throat and upper breast are whitish-grey. The upper abdomen is pale bluish-grey and the lower abdomen is bluish-green. Their thighs are yellowish-green. The underside of the tail is dusky green. They have horn-colored bills. Their irises are brown. The cere and feet are pink-flesh color to grey.

Female look similar but they are some differences. Hens usually have less blackish coloration to the head and less blue on the chest compared to the male. Generally speaking, the plumage of the male tends to be brighter than that of the female. Hens have a paler dark grey crown area and their breast, specifically, is a duller green.

Immature birds have shorter tails. Their bill is grey. They attain the adult plumage when they are about 8 months old.

German Article on the Aymara Parakeet with information on keeping and breeding this Parakeet (text in German) – for English info, please refer to the below.

Diet / Feeding:

In their natural habitat, their main diet consists of seeds, buds, fruit, berries and plant particles. In aviculture, they should be provided a good quality parakeet seed mix (with some sunflower and a lot of canary seeds), fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, apples, corn, salad leaves, etc. Cuttlebone / mineral blocks and fresh, clean water should always be made available to them.

Breeding:

Although many times these parakeets are kept in cages. However, these are highly skilled flyers and they should be given several hours of out-of-cage time to be able to exercise properly. Their ideal accommodation would be a planted aviary. In colder climates, a heated shelter is important. A good supply of fresh tree branches creates a natural habitat for these parakeets and provides some natural entertainment (chewing on wood).

An average clutch consists of 4 to 6 eggs that are laid at 24-hour intervals. Some hens have produced as many as 10 eggs. The eggs are incubated for about 24 days and the young fledge at 4 to six weeks of age.

Training and Behavioral Guidance:

Consistent training and behavioral guidance is recommended so that you can enjoy a bird free of destructive and annoying habits. Behavioral challenges that these parakeets present include:

Chewing: Any parrot will chew. In nature, they use their beak to “customize” their favorite tree, to enlarge the size of their nest in a tree hollow. Doing this keeps their beaks in good condition. The problem is excessive and undesirable chewing. Heavy chewing is not a huge problem with lories per se. Most of them never really develop any major destructive issues in that area. However, it is recommended that the owner provide their pet birds with plenty of “healthy” chewing opportunities (bird toys, natural wood branches, etc.) and training is necessary to teach a companion bird what items are “off-limits.”
Biting: Parrots are likely to discover their beaks as a method of “disciplining us” once they are out of the “baby stage.” It really is important to learn to understand them and to guide their behavior before an undesirable behavior has been established.
Screaming: Sierra Parakeets are considered “moderately noisy.” Even though their natural call / voice cannot be entirely eliminated; but their occurrence can be reduced.

Training and behavioral guidance will help your pet be the kind of companion you want it to be …

Resources: I put together web resources for you to help you understand your pet bird and properly direct him. Please visit the following website to learn more about parrot behavior and training. If you found a way to resolve a “parrot behavioral issue” please share it with others.

If you are considering one of these magnificent parrots as pets, please visit the following websites for information:

Taxonomy:

Species: Scientific: Psilopsiagon aymara (formerly: Bolborhynchus aymara) … English: Sierra Parakeet, Aymara Parakeet … Dutch: Aymara Parkiet … German: Aymarasittich … French: Perruche d’Aymara

CITES II – Endangered Species