Update Parrots of Kabalebo!
Undisturbed rain forests, food in abundance and plenty of space for nesting…... when people think of the Amazon, they most likely think of Brazil, Peru and Ecuador. Luckily for us in Suriname, Kabalebo is also a 'member' of the Amazon. This gives us the rare opportunity to also observe and enjoy for e.g. Large Macaws and Parrots. These birds are undeniably automatically connected with the Amazon. Here is an update on the Parrots of Kabalebo:
Usually it is difficult to spot parrots when they are foraging for food between all the branches and leaves. Or when they suddenly fly away …. Recognizing parrots by their sound and their flight was also one of the reasons I volunteered in the Tambopata Macaw project in Peru in the month May.
Here are some parrots that are seen very often in Kabalebo:
Red-fan Parrot is the most recognizable parrot I've known in Kabalebo. They are common birds and live in large groups or pairs. Agile ones present their crown to onlookers, given them the appearance of a 'Red crown' on its head. First of all they are the only parrots that glide in mid air after some short wing beats. Their sound is also one of the easiest to learn by heart.
Blue-headed Parrots also appear on a regular basis in Kabalebo. Food in abundance, no fear for being hunted down and a bird friendly atmosphere …. for birdwatchers, like myself, it feels like being in the bird paradise to observe for e.g. how the Blue-headed Parrot enjoys the fruit of an Inga tree. Parrots are smart birds, they use their Zygodactyl feet (2 toes in front and 2 toes back) to hold their food while eating. This gives them the ability to devour their meal in silence while balancing on the other feet.
Mealy Parrots are one of the largest parrots and also one of the most camouflaged parrots. Almost their whole body is 'covered' in green. In comparison with the Red-fan parrots and the Blue-headed Parrots in flight they show a 'bulkier' body.
Chestnut-fronted Macaws, also known as small Macaws, are heard every morning near the lodge. They are seen in either small or large groups and perch for a long period of time in the same tree.
Caica parrots are secretive parrots. They are seen in dense bushes most likely in the shadows. Silent foragers and with a 'uniform' like theirs it can take a while to discover them.
Orange-winged Amazons, also common birds in Kabalebo. This pair was seen near the River Cabin. It was likely they were preparing a nest in this tree hole. Some of them also nest in dead trees. Orange-winged Amazons can be recognized by their yellow cheeks and their blue-fronted head. Only during flight their orange wings are exposed.
Painted Parakeets are the smallest parrots I have seen so far. They appear in large groups and are familiar with the dense bushes. This makes it difficult most of the time to take a nice shot of the Painted Parakeet. But in the end patience conquers.
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