Yellow-chevroned Parakeet (also known as Canary-winged Parakeet in broad terms)

The Yellow-chevroned Parakeet is a small, bright green parrot about 8-10 inches long. It features a distinctive yellow patch on its wings (visible in flight) and a pale, yellowish beak. These feathers represent the vibrant green plumage that allows them to blend into tropical foliage or urban palm trees. They are social birds often seen in noisy flocks.

The primary color is an olive-green to lime-green. One feather shows a distinct yellowish-orange patch on the inner vane, characteristic of the 'chevron' markings, and a bluish-green tint toward the tip due to structural coloration.

Pennaceous throughout most of the vane for waterproofing and wind resistance, becoming plumulaceous (downy) at the base for insulation.

Smooth and waxy on the upper surface for moisture shedding, with a slightly matte finish. The feathers are relatively stiff for their size but exhibit a silky feel.

Lime-green base color, characteristic yellow/orange pigment on the inner vane of wing coverts, and small, rounded contour shape.

Lowland forests and palm groves in their native range; in Santa Barbara, they inhabit urban parks, suburban gardens, and coastal scrub with exotic fruiting trees.

Native to central South America (Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina). They are an established naturalized/feral population in Southern California, particularly Santa Barbara and Los Angeles.

In California, they act as seed dispersers for both native and exotic plants; they compete with native cavity nesters for nesting holes in trees.

Orange-chinned Parakeet (Brotogeris jugularis) which has orange on the chin, and Red-masked Parakeet which has red head markings.

The Santa Barbara population likely descended from escaped pets during the mid-20th century. These birds are highly intelligent and can mimic human speech, though their natural calls are high-pitched screeches.

Excellent condition; the feathers appear to be naturally molted rather than damaged by predators. Barbs are intact without significant wear or fault bars.

Family bird, Santa Barbara, CA