Red-masked Conure
Psittacara erythrogenys
A bright green conure with a bold red head and scattered red patches on the wings and underwing coverts.
- Feather type
- Medium contour and long, graduated tail feathers
- Colours
- Green body with a bright red head and scattered red wing markings
- Bird size
- Medium, ~33 cm
Found a feather like this?
Identify any feather from a photo, free.
Overview
Overview
The Red-masked Conure is a striking parakeet known for its extensive red facial and head coloring set against green body plumage. Native to western South America, it is a highly social, vocal species often seen in flocks near forests and cultivated land.
- Large amount of red on the head compared to related conures
- Long, pointed tail typical of Psittacara parakeets
- Adaptable to both natural forest and human-altered landscapes
Identifying the Feather
Feather Identification
Red-masked Conure feathers show a bold red-and-green pattern concentrated on the head and scattered through the wings.
- Head feathers: bright red, covering much of the face and crown, giving the species its "masked" name
- Body feathers: green overall, providing strong contrast with the red head
- Wing feathers: mostly green with irregular red patches, especially on the underwing coverts and bend of the wing
- Tail feathers: long, green, and tapering to a point
- Compared to similar species: the White-eyed Conure shows only a small red patch around the eye rather than an extensively red head, making the amount of red facial feathering the key distinguishing feature between the two
Plumage & Molt
Plumage Notes
Sexes look alike, both showing extensive red head feathering and green body plumage. Juveniles show much less red, typically limited to a small patch around the eye, with the full red mask developing with age.
- No plumage-based sexual dimorphism
- Juvenile plumage is notably duller with reduced red until maturity
- Molt gradually increases red coverage on the head over successive cycles
Habitat & Range
Habitat & Range
Native to western Ecuador and northern Peru, occupying a range of forest and semi-open habitats.
- Found in dry deciduous forest, humid forest, scrub, and agricultural or urban edges
- Non-migratory, though flocks may move locally in search of food
- Also established in some areas outside its native range through introduced populations
Behavior & Field Notes
Behavior & Field Notes
Red-masked Conures are gregarious and often noisy, frequently observed in flocks flying between roosting and feeding sites.
- Diet: fruits, seeds, and blossoms gathered from trees and, at times, cultivated crops
- Nesting: nests in tree cavities or cliff crevices depending on habitat
- Voice: loud, sharp screeching calls, typically given in flight
- Field notes: the bold red head is usually visible even in fast, distant flight views, helping separate it from plainer green parakeets sharing its range
Frequently asked questions
What feather feature is most distinctive on the Red-masked Conure?
An extensive red mask covering much of the head and face, combined with scattered red patches on the wings, is the key identifying feature.
How does it differ from the White-eyed Conure?
The Red-masked Conure has a much more extensive red head, while the White-eyed Conure shows only a small red patch around the eye.
Do juveniles have the full red mask?
No, juveniles show much less red, typically just a small patch near the eye, with the full mask developing as they mature.
Where is the Red-masked Conure native to?
It is native to western Ecuador and northern Peru, occupying forest, scrub, and semi-open habitats.
Red-masked Conure guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Red-masked Conure.
Other feathers you may enjoy
Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo
Large, sturdy contour and flight feathers; short crest
Yellow-naped Amazon
Broad rounded contour feathers with sturdy flight feathers
Yellow-headed Amazon
Dense, rounded body contour feathers; broad flight feathers
Yellow-collared Lovebird
Small compact flight feathers, short rounded tail
White-eyed Conure
Medium contour and long, graduated tail feathers
White-capped Pionus
Compact contour feathers and short, squared tail feathers
Timneh Parrot
Broad flight feathers, scalloped body feathers with pale edges
Superb Parrot
Sleek contour feathers with a long tapering tail
Vasa Parrot
Loose contour feathers and rounded flight feathers
Sun Parakeet
Bright, dense body contour feathers; medium pointed tail feathers
Umbrella Cockatoo
Broad rounded flight feathers, large fan-shaped crest feathers
Sun Conure
Vivid, soft-textured body feathers; moderately long, tapered tail