One of the treats on touring Florida is dropping into Miami and finding all the different Psittacines (parrots) that have naturalized in the neighborhoods. Northern Peru is where these birds are normally found... parakeet  also known as the mitred conure in aviculture, is a species of green and red parrot in the family Psittacidae. It is native to the forests and woodlands in the Andes from north-central Peru, south through Bolivia, to north-western Argentina, with introduced populations in California, Florida and Hawaii. It may constitute a cryptic species complex.

Appearance

A relatively long-tail species with a total length of 34–38 cm (13–15 in). Adults are mainly green with varying amounts of red to the face and thighs, a relatively conspicuous bare white eye-ring, and a heavy, pale bone-coloure bill. Juveniles show little or no red to the plumage.

Distribution

Its natural habitats are forest (both deciduous and humid), woodland, and nearby habitats at altitudes of 1,000–3,400 m (3,300–11,200 ft), with a single possible record from 4,000 m (13,000 ft). The introduced population in California primarily occurs in urban parks and residential areas. There are some seasonal movements in response to the availability of food. It is generally common to locally abundant, and when occasionally foraging in cultivated areas, it may cause considerable damage.

Habits and Lifestyle

It is social and typically seen in small flocks, but may gather in groups of up to 100 outside the breeding period. Exceptionally, flocks of up to 2000 may gather at roosting places. Breeds colonially on cliffs, and, in Argentina at least, sometimes in hollows in dead trees. It lays 2-3 eggs. In captivity, 3-4 eggs reported, and an incubation time of 23 days. It primarily feeds on seeds, nuts and fruits. The flight-call is a high ringing kerEET.

Domestication

The subspecies seen in American avicult.with some uncertainty considering the recent developments in the taxonomy). Popular as pets, the mitred parakeets are consider outgoing and playful. They are even use as “watch birds”, given their loud, piercing alarm call. Like most parrots, they tend to be devote to their human owners. Though they have been known to grow attache to groups rather than individuals. They make great pets for people who will devote their time and money and will understand the birds natural behaviors; screaming.