Mitred Conure

The Mitred Conure is native to the central Andes of Peru, Ecuador, and adjacent regions, where it inhabits montane forest, forest edge, and agricultural land at moderate elevations. It is a large, robust member of the Psittacara conures, distinguished chiefly by the amount and pattern of red facial mottling, which varies noticeably between individuals.

Body feathers are green overall, with red mottling concentrated around the forehead, lores, and eye area, extending variably onto the crown and cheeks depending on the individual. Scattered red feathers may also appear on the bend of the wing and on the thighs. The amount of red is notably variable between birds, unlike the more consistent facial patterns of some related conures, making individual identification sometimes tricky within mixed Psittacara flocks. The tail is long and tapered, green above with a duller olive tone on the underside. Overall size and a heavier bill distinguish this species from smaller, more uniformly green conures.

Sexes are alike in plumage, with the amount of red facial mottling varying by individual rather than by sex. Juveniles show little to no red mottling, typically appearing almost entirely green, with red patches developing gradually and variably as the bird matures over successive molts.

This species occupies montane forest, forest edge, and adjacent cultivated land at moderate elevations in the central Andes of Peru, Ecuador, and neighboring areas. It is largely non-migratory, remaining resident within suitable elevational habitat, with some local movement tied to fruiting seasons.

Mitred Conures feed on fruit, seeds, blossoms, and cultivated crops, sometimes foraging in agricultural areas alongside native fruiting trees. Nests are placed in tree cavities or rock crevices. Calls include loud, harsh screeching notes typical of larger conures, given in flight and while foraging in flocks.