Golden-plumed Parakeet (Leptosittaca branickii)

Little is known about the biology of the golden-plumed parakeet but there is evidence that breeding occurs in August in Ecuador and February in Columbia, with nest making also having being observed in May. Nests are made in wax palms (Ceroxylon species), but the birds are known to feed predominantly on conifer seeds (Podocarpus species) as well as the seeds from a few other plant species including cultivated maize and the fruit from fig trees (2). The golden-plumed parakeet is a gregarious species, chattering continuously whilst in feeding flocks (2). When in flight or perched, calls are loud and shrill (5). Golden-plumed parakeets are highly nomadic, making daily altitudinal movements as they move upland to feed and return to lower forests to roost (5). As well as this daily movement, the birds have been known to disappear from areas where they have been found for years, reappearing much later; a behaviour that may be related to food availability (2).

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