Lineolated Parakeet
Bolborhynchus lineola
A small, stocky green parakeet finely marked with dark barring across the back and wings.
- Feather type
- Small contour feathers with fine dark barring
- Colours
- Green overall with fine dark barred markings
- Bird size
- Small, ~16 cm
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Overview
Overview
The Lineolated Parakeet is a small, compact parrot notable for the fine dark barring across its green plumage, a pattern uncommon among small parakeets. It occupies humid montane forest habitats scattered from Mexico through parts of South America.
- Short-tailed, stocky body shape
- Distinctive fine barring pattern across the upperparts
- Quiet and unobtrusive compared to many parakeets
Identifying the Feather
Feather Identification
Lineolated Parakeet feathers are small and marked with a fine, dark barring pattern that gives the species its name.
- Back and wing feathers: green with narrow, dark barred lines running across each feather, creating a subtly scalloped look
- Underparts: paler green, generally with less pronounced barring than the back
- Flight feathers: darker green to blackish, contrasting with the paler barred body feathers
- Tail feathers: short and squared, unlike the long tails of many other parakeets
- Compared to similar species: this fine barring pattern is uncommon among small green parakeets, making individual feathers showing narrow dark cross-barring fairly distinctive for this species
Plumage & Molt
Plumage Notes
Sexes are similar, both showing the barred green plumage, though males may show slightly more extensive dark markings. Juveniles show less distinct barring, which becomes more defined with age.
- Limited sexual dimorphism in plumage
- Juvenile plumage lacks the crisp barring pattern seen in adults
- Molt gradually sharpens the barred pattern over successive cycles
Habitat & Range
Habitat & Range
Found in humid montane forest and forest edge habitats from southern Mexico through Central America into parts of northern South America.
- Prefers cooler, higher-elevation forest compared to many lowland parakeets
- Non-migratory, though some local elevational movement may occur
- Occupies a fragmented range tied to suitable montane forest patches
Behavior & Field Notes
Behavior & Field Notes
Lineolated Parakeets are quieter and less conspicuous than many parakeets, often moving through dense foliage with relatively subdued calls.
- Diet: seeds, fruits, and other plant material gathered in trees and shrubs
- Nesting: nests in tree cavities or crevices within forested habitat
- Voice: soft, twittering calls, quieter than the harsh screeches typical of larger parakeets
- Field notes: the fine barring is often only noticeable at close range, so this species can be easily overlooked as it moves through dense canopy foliage
Frequently asked questions
What gives the Lineolated Parakeet its name?
The fine, dark barring pattern across its green back and wing feathers gives the species both its common and scientific names referencing lines.
Is the barring visible from a distance?
The fine barring is usually only noticeable at close range, since the overall green coloring can blend with foliage from afar.
Where does the Lineolated Parakeet live?
It inhabits humid montane forest and forest edges from southern Mexico through Central America into parts of northern South America.
How vocal is this species compared to other parakeets?
It is generally quieter, giving soft, twittering calls rather than the loud screeches typical of many larger parakeets.
Lineolated Parakeet guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Lineolated Parakeet.
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