Yellow-eared parrot  (Ognorhynchus icterotis)

This gregarious parrot travels in flocks, which wander nomadically or seasonally in search of food (2) (5). The species has been observed feeding on the fruit, bark, flowers and shoots of various trees, but particularly the wax palm. This bird also roosts in colonies, normally in three to five palms that are located close together. Here, pairs can be seen sleeping side-by-side and non-paired individuals are situated further apart and on different palm fronds (5).

The breeding season has been recorded from March to May in Colombia and from July to October in Ecuador (2), and nests are located near the roosts of the larger non-breeding flock (5). One of the most unique behaviours of the yellow-eared parrot is the assistance of a third adult bird with parental duties, known as 'brood-helpers', which have been observed helping the breeding parents to feed and care for their chicks (4) (5). Clutches of four eggs have been recorded (2).