Hawk-headed Parrot

The hawk-headed parrot (Deroptyus accipitrinus) is an unusual choice for a pet bird. But the robust coloration and magnificent look (the crown-like feathers on the head) make them a good pick, with an addition to these, the bird has a versatile mood.

Quick Information

Other names	Red-fan parrot, hawk-headed caique
Color	Green wings, red and blue streaked breasts, brown face with white streaks
Size	13.7 – 14.1 in (34.7 – 36 cm)
Weight	Around 8.8 oz (250 g)
Distribution	Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador, Suriname, Venezuela, Guyana, and French Guiana, and northeastern Peru
Habitat	Rainforest
Subspecies	D.a. accipitrinus D.a. fuscifrons
Breeding Season	December-January
Diet	Fruits, nuts, buds, leaves, and seeds
Clutch size	2-3 eggs
Incubation period	26 days
Fledging	9-10 weeks
Lifespan	Around 40 years
IUCN Conservation Status	Least Concern
Temperament as pets	Juveniles are docile but adults are nippy at times
Maintenance requirements	Medium
Noise level	Moderate
Talking ability	Good

As pets

Housing

A cage with a size of 24x24x30 inch is sufficient for accommodating the bird along with perches and toys. The bar spacing should be 1 in.

However, for aviaries, 2.4×2.4×2.1 m is the ideal size with a nest box sizing 25X20X47 m.

Temperature

The ideal temperature for a hawk-headed parrot is around 70°F.

Temperament

The birds are social and they have a streak for adventure in them with a little bit of naughtiness. If your bird is safe to stay out without the risk of escaping, it will enjoy your company. You will be amused to see how the bird follows you everywhere. Entertaining people with typical clownish behavior like hanging upside down, lying on the back, are common activities. They are also great in being content all by themselves if they are given a variety of toys.

Feeding

Commercial pelleted diet is good for this parrot and you can give meat and nuts at times as these two fulfil the high-protein and fat requirements of the bird. Chocolate, avocado, salt, and sugar should not be given at all. Also, any food that you give, make sure all of them are fresh and change even after a certain point (4 hours in terms of cooked food and a few hours more for raw food).

Water should be plenty inside a bowl and don’t forget to refill it.

Care

Interact and give the bird your company in a friendly way as its natural instinct is to be with you. Even it ever appears as naughty don’t punish it hard, just stay out of its sight for a few moments and it will understand that being disobedient means separation from you. Listen to music together, offer the bird your food sometimes, and cuddle it daily.

For bathing the bird, you must arrange a mist spray or could go for the kitchen sink. Frequent bathing is required for the hygiene so don’t skip this activity from the routine.

Health problems

Psittacosis, kidney disease, fungal, viral or bacterial infection, lipomas, papillomas, and metal poisoning are common ailments.

Price

The range for a hawk-headed parrot is $1,200-$1,800.

Interesting fact

The bird has some incredible neck feathers which can turn into a fan-like crown and it can enlarge the overall size of the bird. This is actually is a sign of being intimidated.