Finsch’s Parakeet

Identification

Finsch's parakeet is a small parrot, measuring about 28 cm (11 inches) long and weighing between 135 and 175 grams. Adults are predominantly green with yellowish underparts and are most distinctive for their bright red forehead—a field mark that gives them their alternate name, the crimson-fronted parakeet. Additional red plumage appears as flecks elsewhere on the head, along the wing edge, and on the outer underwing coverts, often tinged with orange. The greater underwing coverts are yellow, and the undersides of flight feathers and tail are olive-yellow. Red also typically appears on the thighs. The eye is striking orange, surrounded by bare white skin, and the bill is horn-colored. Males and females are alike in plumage. Juveniles resemble adults but lack the distinctive red forehead and thigh markings, and have gray eyes rather than orange.

Range & Habitat

This parakeet is found from southeastern Nicaragua through both Pacific and Caribbean slopes of Costa Rica and into Panama's Pacific slope, reaching as far east as the Azuero Peninsula. It inhabits a wide variety of semi-open to open landscapes including woodlands, forest edges, secondary forest, ranchlands, and agricultural areas with scattered trees. Coffee plantations and towns also provide suitable habitat. The species ranges in elevation from sea level to 1,800 meters (5,900 feet).

Interestingly, Finsch's parakeet appears to be expanding its range as deforestation creates the more open landscapes it prefers. The species is considered abundant in Nicaragua, common in Costa Rica, and locally common in Panama.

Behaviour & Diet

Finsch's parakeet is highly social, typically gathering in flocks of about 30 individuals, with several hundred sometimes roosting together. The species wanders widely throughout its range, making irregular and seasonal movements that are not fully understood, though increased numbers are present on the Pacific side of Costa Rica during the dry season.

The diet consists primarily of fruits and flowers from a variety of plants and trees, supplemented by maize and sorghum crops. Unusually for parrots, this species has been observed feeding on wood. Breeding occurs during the dry and early wet seasons (December to May) in Costa Rica and apparently in July in Panama. Birds nest in tree cavities, sometimes excavating their own in rotten wood, and may nest semi-colonially. Clutch size is typically three to four eggs, though details of incubation and fledging periods remain undocumented.

Best Time & Places to See It

Finsch's parakeet is vocal and often conspicuous, making it relatively straightforward to locate with patience. Costa Rica offers the best opportunities, where the species is common throughout both lowland and middle elevations. The dry season (December to May) may offer increased sightings on the Pacific slope. Look for them in open woodlands, at the edges of forests, in agricultural areas with scattered trees, and around coffee plantations. Early morning and late afternoon are typically the most active feeding periods. Nicaragua also offers good viewing opportunities where the species is abundant, while Panama provides locally common sightings.

Photography Tips

The species' vibrant red forehead, orange eye, and green plumage create striking photographic subjects, especially in natural light. Early morning light will best emphasize these colors. Photograph birds in flight to capture the diagnostic red wing edge and orange-tinged coverts. Because Finsch's parakeets are very vocal and often travel in small flocks, listen for their distinctive "klee-klee-chee-chee" call and sharp squeaky notes to locate them. Semi-open habitats and woodland edges provide clearer sightlines and better photographic opportunities than dense forest. Patience during feeding sessions in flowering or fruiting trees will reward photographers with active, engaged subjects.