High in the Costa Rican mountains, where the air chills and cloud forests cling to the slopes, lives a little emerald jewel – the Barred Parakeet. Unlike its long-tailed cousins that grace the lowlands, this petite parrot is a creature of the highlands, rarely venturing below 2,000 meters.
Spotting a Barred Parakeet can feel like a stroke of birding luck. These shy birds are more often heard than seen. Their high-pitched, reedy calls echo through the misty canopy, a delightful melody amidst the rustling leaves. But for the patient observer, a glimpse of their rapid, bouncing flight can be an unforgettable reward.
A Master of Camouflage
The Barred Parakeet’s plumage is a symphony of greens. Their bodies are a lush, olive-green, accented with a slightly lighter green on the underparts. The key feature that gives them their name is the subtle barring on their back – thin, blackish stripes visible only under close scrutiny. This camouflage makes them masters of disappearing into the emerald embrace of the cloud forest.
A Social Sprite
While sightings might be fleeting, Barred Parakeets are rarely solitary. They flit about in pairs or small flocks, their movements quick and precise. Their short, pointed tails dart through the air as they forage for seeds, fruits, and flowers amongst the branches. They are particularly fond of seeding bamboo, and spotting a flurry of activity around these towering green stalks might just lead you to a Barred Parakeet party.
A Rare Treat for Birdwatchers
If you’re planning a birding adventure to the mountains of Costa Rica, the Barred Parakeet should be high on your target list. Here at our mountain retreat, nestled amidst the cloud forest, you have a great chance of encountering these elusive birds. With a little patience and a keen ear, you might just be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of their emerald flash as they zip through the trees, a fleeting but unforgettable encounter with a highland treasure.
Tips for Spotting the Barred Parakeet:
- Head for the Heights: Look for them above 2,000 meters in cloud forest areas.
- Listen Up: Their high-pitched calls are your best bet for detection.
- Scan the Bamboo: Seeding bamboo patches often attract these little seed-eaters.
- Be Patient: These birds are quick and shy, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t see them right away.
With a little effort and a dash of birding luck, you might just add the Barred Parakeet to your Costa Rican avian life list!
For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica
