Bird Guide

HAWKHEAD

Hawkheaded Parrots or Red-fan Parrots (Deroptyus accipitrinus) There are 2 subspecies.

Hawkheaded Parrots or Red Fan Parrots (Deroptyus accipitrinus accipitrinus) parrots are native to French Guiana, Guyana, the southern area of Venezuela, the eastern area of Ecuador, the northeastern area of Peru, and the area north of the Amazon in Brazil. Brazilian Hawkheaded Parrots (Deroptyus accipitrinus fuscifrons) are native to the northern region of Brazil south of the Amazon and the northern region of Bolivia. They are mainly found in pairs, but can be found in flocks of maybe 20 individuals. They are found in the lowland rainforest at around 1300 feet. They are very strong fliers.

They are a medium sized bird, around 12-15 inches in length. They weigh between 200-250 grams.

They are another very interesting and beauty species that comes from the rainforest of South America. They are unique in that they are the only New World parrot that has a raisable ruff. Strikingly beautiful, the hawkheads can raise the feathers on their heads and nape, making them look larger and more intimidating. It also gives them a "hawk-like" appearance, though some people have compared this raised ruff to a lions mane.

They can be very loud at times.

It is very important that you buy not only a properly socialized hand-fed baby, but one that has also been taught to eat a wide variety of foods.