Pionus chalcopterus (Fraser, 1841)

Taxonomic Identity

The bronze-winged parrot, Pionus chalcopterus (Fraser, 1841), is a mostly dark bird with a whitish chin patch and pink-speckled feathers on its upper chest.

Undertail Feathers

It has short red undertail feathers.

Rump, Tail, and Wing Coloration

Its rump, tail, and wings are dark blue, while the underwings are a lighter blue.

Head and Body Plumage

The head is dark blue-green; the mantle, back, and underparts are dark bronze-green, with some feathers tipped in blue and scattered red feathers appearing in some individuals.

Beak Coloration

The beak is pale yellow.

Eyerings and Juvenile Features

Adult individuals have a pink ring of bare skin around the eyes, while juveniles have whitish eyerings and brownish underparts.

Geographic Distribution

This parrot is distributed across far western Venezuela, western and central Colombia, western Ecuador, and far north-western Peru.

Altitudinal Range

It occurs at different altitudes across its range: mainly 900–1400 m in Venezuela, mainly 1400–2400 m in Colombia (occasionally reaching up to 2800 m), mainly below 1400 m in Ecuador, and below 800 m in Peru.

Habitat Preference

It generally prefers the canopy of both humid and semi-deciduous forest and woodland, but can also be found in adjacent habitats with tall trees.

Movement Patterns

It is reported to be somewhat nomadic in parts of its range, but its movements, which may only occur in response to food availability, are generally poorly understood.