Scaly-headed Parrot

Identification

The scaly-headed parrot is a compact parrot measuring 25 to 29 cm in length, weighing 233 to 293 grams. Its most distinctive feature is the dark, scaly appearance of its head, created by darker feather edges on greenish-bronze plumage. The nominate subspecies (P. m. maximiliani) displays a blackish-brown forehead and mid-crown, with characteristic bare white skin arcs above and below the eye. The bird's underparts transition from dull blue on the throat and upper breast to yellowish-green on the belly, while the undertail coverts and tail base are striking red. The wings and lower back are dull green with lighter scaling. Immature birds are notably paler, with less blue on the breast.

Four subspecies exist across the range, with regional variations in coloration intensity. P. m. melanoblepharus is larger with darker green and blue tones and dark eye-skin. P. m. siy features a reddish-purple chin and throat, while P. m. lacerus is similar but larger with more intense blue breast coloration.