About Pionus tumultuosus (Tschudi, 1844)
Nomenclature and Basic Measurements
The plum-crowned parrot, with scientific name Pionus tumultuosus (Tschudi, 1844), measures 29 to 30 cm (11 to 12 in) long and weighs approximately 229 g (8.1 oz).
Adult Head and Upper Body Coloration
In adult individuals, the forehead and crown are plum-colored, while the rest of the face, throat, and breast are dull purple marked with plum pink flecks. The back, wings, and belly are green.
Adult Tail and Bare Parts Coloration
The undertail coverts and base of the tail are red; the remaining portion of the tail is green, with some blue coloring on the outer feathers. The bill is a pale yellowish horn color, the iris is dark with grayish skin surrounding it, and the legs and feet are gray.
Immature Plumage
Immature plum-crowned parrots have brownish green crowns and breasts, white speckles on their ear coverts, and yellowish green undertail coverts.
Geographic Distribution
This species is distributed on the eastern slope of the Andes, ranging from the Department of Huánuco in central Peru, east through Bolivia, to Bolivia's Santa Cruz Department.
Habitat Preferences
It inhabits humid subtropical forest and cloudforest, particularly areas that contain bamboo, and also visits nearby agricultural areas.
Elevation Range
Most individuals live at elevations between 2,000 and 3,300 m (6,600 and 10,800 ft).
