Solar Aratinga
Contents
Solar Aratinga (Aratinga solstitialis)
Order | Parrots |
family | Parrots |
Race | Aratingi |
In the photo: solar aratinga. Photo: google.by
Appearance of solar aratinga
Solar Aratinga – it long-tailed medium parrot with a body length of about 30 cm and a weight of up to 130 g. The head, chest and belly are orange-yellow. The back of the head and the upper region of the wings are bright yellow. Flight feathers in the wings and tail are grassy green. The beak is powerful gray-black. The periorbital ring is gray (white) and glabrous. Paws are grey. The eyes are dark brown. Both sexes of the solar aratinga are colored the same.
The life expectancy of a solar aratinga with proper care is about 30 years.
Habitat and life in the nature of solar aratingi
The world population of solar aratinga in the wild is up to 4000 individuals. The species is found in northeastern Brazil, Guyana and southeastern Venezuela.
The species lives at an altitude of up to 1200 m above sea level. It is found in dry savannas, palm groves, as well as in flooded parts along the banks of the Amazon.
In the diet of solar aratinga – fruits, seeds, flowers, nuts, cactus fruits. The diet also contains insects. They feed equally on mature and immature seeds and fruits. Sometimes they visit agricultural lands, damaging cultivated crops.
They can usually be found in packs of up to 30 individuals. Birds are very social and rarely leave the flock. Alone, they usually sit on a tall tree and scream loudly. During feeding, the flock is usually quiet. However, during the flight, the birds make quite loud sounds. Solar aratingas fly quite well, therefore they are able to cover quite large distances in one day.
Reproduction of solar aratingi
Already young birds at the age of 4 – 5 months form monogamous pairs and keep their partner. Sunny aratingas reach puberty at the age of about 2 years. During the courtship period, they constantly feed and sort out each other’s feathers. The nesting season is in February. Birds nest in cavities and hollows of trees. The clutch usually contains 3-4 eggs. The female incubates them for 23-27 days. Both parents feed the chicks. Sunny aratinga chicks reach full independence at the age of 9-10 weeks.
In the photo: solar aratinga. Photo: google.by
