Orange-chinned Parakeet
The Orange-chinned Parakeet is a small, fast-flying parrot found in humid lowlands and foothills from southern Mexico to northern Colombia, characterized by its primarily green plumage, distinctive orange patch on the chin and throat, brownish head, and habit of traveling in noisy, fast-moving flocks through forest edges, clearings, and semi-open habitats.
Brotogeris jugularis
Scientific Name
Psittacidae (Parrots)
Family
Psittaciformes
Order
B. j. jugularis
Subspecies. From southwestern Mexico to northern Colombia, including Costa Rica
B. j. exsul
Subspecies. Western Ecuador
Range and Habitat of Orange-chinned Parakeet
Geographic Range
The Orange-chinned Parakeet ranges from southwestern Mexico (Oaxaca, Chiapas) through Central America including Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, to northern Colombia and northwestern Venezuela.
Migratory Patterns
The species is non-migratory but highly nomadic, following food resources. Large flocks move between feeding areas seasonally
Preferred Habitat
The Orange-chinned Parakeet inhabits forest edges and clearings, secondary growth and disturbed areas, agricultural lands with scattered trees, urban parks and gardens, gallery forests in dry regions, mangroves, and palm savannas. It avoids dense primary forest interior but thrives in human-modified landscapes.
Altitude Range
The species occurs from sea level to 1,200 m elevation in Costa Rica, occasionally up to 1,500 m. Most common below 600 m. Urban populations in the Central Valley occur at 1,000-1,200 m.
Costa Rica Habitat
In Costa Rica, the species is widespread on the Pacific slope from Guanacaste to the Panama border. On the Caribbean slope, it occurs locally in deforested areas, particularly in the Sarapiquí region and Limón province. It has colonized the Central Valley including urban San José. Absent only from intact forests and highest elevations. Common locations include all of Guanacaste province, Carara to Manuel Antonio region, Térraba Valley, Osa Peninsula, and increasingly common in Caribbean lowlands.
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Conservation Status
Population Status
Costa Rican populations have benefited from deforestation creating edge habitat. Density can exceed 100 individuals per km² in optimal habitat.
While generally thriving, threats include capture for the local pet trade despite legal protection, persecution as agricultural pests in some areas.
Conservation efforts
The Orange-chinned Parakeet requires minimal conservation intervention due to its success. It is protected under Costa Rican law prohibiting capture and trade.
Primary Threats
While generally thriving, threats include capture for the local pet trade despite legal protection, persecution as agricultural pests in some areas.
Orange-chinned Parakeet Identification
How to Identify the Species
Rarity Level:
CommonBest Viewing Times:
Early Morning (Dawn - 8 AM), Afternoon (2 PM - 5 PM)
Size
17-18 cm in total length. Males and females both weigh 53-65 g.
Plumage
Adults are predominantly bright green with a slightly yellower tone on the underparts. The diagnostic orange chin patch is small but distinctive, though it can be difficult to see in the field. The wing coverts show bronze-brown coloring, creating a brownish shoulder patch visible at rest. In flight, the underwing coverts display bright yellow, contrasting with blue flight feathers.
Distinctive Features
The species has a relatively large, pale horn-colored to pinkish bill with a darker tip, appearing disproportionately large for the bird’s size. The wedge-shaped tail and large pale bill distinguish it from other small parrots.
Sexual Dimorphism
This species shows no sexual dimorphism in plumage. Males and females are identical in appearance, though males may average slightly larger in some measurements. Sex determination requires DNA testing or behavioral observation during breeding.
Diet and Feeding Behavior
Primary Diet
- The Orange-chinned Parakeet has a varied diet including fruits such as figs, Cecropia, and various cultivated fruits. It feeds on seeds and seed pods of leguminous trees, flowers and nectar from Erythrina, Inga, and balsa (Ochroma), and leaf buds and shoots.
Foraging Techniques
- These parakeets typically forage in noisy flocks ranging from 5-30 individuals, occasionally up to 100. They show acrobatic feeding, often hanging upside down to reach food.
Feeding Times
- Peak feeding occurs in early morning from 5:30-9:00 and late afternoon from 15:00-18:00. Flocks may feed intermittently throughout the day when food is abundant. Activity reduces during midday heat.
Behavior Patterns
Orange-chinned Parakeet
Social Structure
These are highly social parakeets, almost always in flocks except when nesting. Communal roosts may contain hundreds of individuals from multiple flocks. Strong pair bonds are maintained within flocks year-round. Complex social hierarchies exist within feeding flocks.
Song and Vocalization
The Orange-chinned Parakeet produces constant high-pitched chattering “chee-chee-chee” or “jee-jee-jee” in flight. Flocks create a continuous din while feeding.
Courtship and Mating Ritual
Courtship involves mutual preening, particularly around the head and neck. Males feed females regularly during courtship and breeding. Pairs perform synchronized flights within flocks. Bill-touching and gentle nibbling strengthen pair bonds.
Territoriality
Only the immediate nest area is defended during breeding. Feeding areas are not territorial, with multiple flocks sharing resources.
Birdwatching Tips
Best Locations for Spotting Orange-chinned Parakeet
Common locations include anywhere in Guanacaste Province, Central Valley parks and gardens, Carara National Park entrance area, Manuel Antonio National Park and town, Tárcoles area, urban San José parks, La Sabana Park, University of Costa Rica campus, hotel gardens throughout the Pacific slope, and increasingly common in Caribbean towns.
Best Time of the Year
Observable year-round, with highest activity during breeding season (January-March). Dawn and dusk at roost sites offer spectacular flock observations.
Common Behavior
Listen for high-pitched chattering of flying flocks. Check flowering and fruiting trees, especially figs. Watch for fast, direct flight of small green parrots. Look for flocks at traditional roost sites at dawn and dusk.
Recommended Gear
Basic equipment includes 8×42 binoculars adequate for observation, camera with moderate telephoto lens as they often allow close approach, and audio recorder to document vocalizations. This is generally an easy species to observe.
Breeding and Nesting Behavior
Breeding Season
Breeding occurs primarily from December to May in Costa Rica, with peak activity from January to March during the dry season.
Nesting Sites
Nests are placed in various cavities including arboreal termite nests (most common), natural tree hollows, old woodpecker holes, and occasionally crevices in buildings or bridges.
Clutch Size
3-6 white eggs, typically 4-5
Incubation Period
22-26 days
Parental Care
The female incubates and broods young while the male provides food initially. Both parents feed nestlings once they're older, bringing food in the crop. Nestlings fledge at 40-42 days. Parents continue feeding fledglings for 2-3 weeks after leaving nest.
Did You Know?
Interesting Behaviors
Some populations have developed “traditions” of using specific roost sites for decades.
Cultural Significance
The name “zapoyol” comes from the Nahuatl language. Traditionally kept as pets despite current legal protection. The species appears in pre-Columbian art from Costa Rica. Its successful adaptation to urbanization has made it a familiar city bird.
Surprising Traits
Individual parakeets can recognize dozens of flock mates by voice. Flocks can locate fruiting trees from over a kilometer away. The species shows problem-solving abilities when accessing difficult food sources.
How do I identify this bird?
Look for small, bright green parrots with bronze-brown shoulders, large pale bills, and distinctive high-pitched chattering calls. In flight, the yellow underwings contrasting with blue flight feathers are diagnostic. The orange chin patch is small and often hard to see.
Where is the best place to see it in Costa Rica?
Almost anywhere on the Pacific slope, particularly in Guanacaste and the Central Valley. Urban parks in San José offer easy viewing. Any location with fruiting figs or flowering trees can attract feeding flocks. Dawn and dusk at known roost sites provide spectacular observations.
Is it endangered?
No, the Orange-chinned Parakeet is listed as Least Concern with stable or increasing populations. It has actually benefited from human habitat modification and is one of Costa Rica’s most successful native parrots. No conservation concerns currently exist.