Traits
The canary-winged parakeet is known for its agility and enjoys spending time hanging upside down on a playgym. They are also affectionate. These pet birds like to play, so provide them with a variety of choice of bird toys rotated often. Recently, canary-winged parakeets were separated into two species: the white-winged parakeet (Brotogeris versicoluris) and the yellow-chevroned parakeet (Brotogeris chiriri). According to the “Lexicon of Parrots” by Thomas Arnt, both birds are similar in appearance, but the yellow-chevroned lcks the white perch on the secondary and inner primaries that is found on the white-winged parakeet.
Behavior / Health Concerns
Canary-winged parakeets are susceptible to mites, PBFD, psittacosis, vitamin A deficiency and bacterial hepatitis.Tuberculosis was common among imported birds. Canary-winged parakeets need extra fruit in their parakeet bird food, and some breeders recommend less protein to avoid gout. These pet birds can get somewhat loud and screech, but there is usually a reason for their periods of screeching and once that cause is eliminated the canary wings quiet down. Most avian veterinarians recommend a base diet of pellets supplemented with fresh produce. Recently, canary-winged parakeets were separated into two species: the white-winged parakeet (Brotogeris versicoluris) and the yellow-chevroned parakeet (Brotogeris chiriri). According to the “Lexicon of Parrots” by Thomas Arnt, both birds are similar in appearance, but the yellow-chevroned lcks the white perch on the secondary and inner primaries that is found on the white-winged parakeet. Other physical differences include the plumage color, which is much brighter yellow-green in the yellow chevron, while the white wing is a darker, more forest green. The white-winged parakeet has a larger bare facial pattern than the yellow chevron. The underside of the tail of the white wing is strongly washed in blue, and the nominate yellow chevron is green (one subspecies of yellow chevron, however, has a blue wash on the tail, although not as strong a blue as the white wing.) Finally, the yellow-chevroned parakeet has a darker pink beak than that of the white wing.
Expert Advice
“Canary-winged parakeets are also called the chevron-winged parakeet. While both the grey-cheeked and canary-winged are in the Brotogeris family, the canary wing seems to be slightly less of an alarmist than the grey cheek. While both are very loving and devoted to their owners, the canary-winged parakeet would be much more willing to interact with someone they don’t know if properly introduced by their owner.”
Bonnie Kenk, Peace Parrot Education and Adoption Center
Breed Details
Scientific Name: Brotogeris versicolurus
Native Region: South America
Size: Small, 10 inches
Life Expectancy: Up to 15 years
Noise Level: Moderate
Talk / Trick Ability: Fair
Posted by: Chewy Editorial
Featured Image: iStock.com/Chelsea Sampson
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