Burrowing parakeet  (Cyanoliseus patagonus)

Description

The burrowing parakeet is remarkable for the fact that it forms the largest breeding colonies known amongst the Psittacidae (parrot family) (4). Like most parrots, this species has colourful plumage, which is mostly olive-brown on the head, upperparts and breast, and yellow on the lower back, tail and lower underparts. There are four recognised subspecies of burrowing parakeet, which occupy separate locations and have slightly different plumage colouration. Subspecies Cyanoliseus patagonus patagonus has an orange-red patch in the centre of the belly as well as orange-red thighs, a grey-brown upper breast and throat, and white marks at the bend of the wing. Cyanoliseus patagonus conlara is similar, but has a darker breast, while Cyanoliseus patagonus andinus has generally duller plumage, with little yellow on the lower underparts and faint white markings on the breast. Cyanoliseus patagonus bloxami is larger than the other subspecies, has the brightest colouration, and possesses a broad, white band across the breast (2).

Darwin Now is the British Council's contribution to the international celebration of the 200th anniversary of Darwin's birth and the 150 year anniversary of the publication of On The Origin of Species
left