[accordion_item title=”Hawk-Headed Parrot” open=”true”]Hawk Headed ParrotThe red-fan parrot (Deroptyus accipitrinus), also known as the hawk-headed parrot, is an unusual New World parrot hailing from the Amazon Rainforest. The red-fan parrot possesses elongated neck feathers that can be raised to form an elaborate fan, which greatly increases the bird’s apparent size, and is possibly used when threatened. It generally lives in undisturbed forest, feeding in the canopy on fruits. It has a dark brown face with white streaks, bare black patch round its brown eye, green wings, flanks and tail and red and blue barred breast.

Red-fan parrots, although not particularly common in aviculture are sometimes kept as aviary birds or companion parrots. While juvenile birds tend to be docile, adults can be particularly ill-tempered, stubborn, unpredictable and strong-willed birds, showing extreme aggression towards humans and other birds housed with them (including others of their own species and/or their own mates), particularly when in breeding condition. Red-fan parrots, when kept as pets tend to bond with one person and require firm handling and a patient owner, experienced in both bird-keeping and the reading of parrot body language. However as with all parrots, temperament can vary greatly from individual to individual and some red-fan parrots make excellent companions.

Hawk-Headed parrots can be very aggressive at times, so it is important to train them correctly right from the beginning. They need to be taught clear boundaries so they will learn not to bite. Hawk-Heads can be fantastic companions. They are caring, loving, and they can become very attached. However, if not properly trained, they can become biters very quickly.[/accordion_item]

[accordion_item title=”Natural Habitat”]The Hawk-Headed Parrot Deroptyus accipitrinus was first described by Linnaeus in 1758. They are found in the Amazon Basin of South America. The accipitrinus sub-species are found along the Amazon basin north of the river and up into southern Venezuela. The fuscifrons subspecies are found south of the Amazon River going down into northern Brazil.[/accordion_item][accordion_item title=”Behavior”]Hawk Headed Parrots nest in holes in trees and stumps, laying two to three eggs. Only two nests have been examined in the wild, both had one chick. It is not considered threatened.[/accordion_item]

[accordion_item title=”Care”]Food and water should be available to the Hawk-Headed Parrot at all times. The water should be kept fresh and changed daily and the bowls should be kept clean. Hawk-Heads eat a variety of seeds, nuts, fruits, and commercial pellets, as well as the same nutritional foods humans eat.

They do require a higher fat diet, similar to the macaw and they definitely enjoy those nuts and meat. Avocado and chocolate are considered toxic for birds and sugar and salt should be avoided. Human food or prepared foods should be removed from the cage after 4 hours.

These parrots require frequent bathing to keep their feathers healthy and are happy to have a bath in the kitchen sink or the shower. Turn the water on a light spray and they will frequently lay on their backs with their feet straight up displaying the full extent of crown as they bounce up and down on their backs.[/accordion_item][accordion_item title=”Behaviors”]In the wild the Hawk-Headed Parrots associate in pairs within a small flock. As a pet in your home, you or members of your family are the other half of the pair. They sleep singly in a tree but close to the flock. They are very social and will become quite attached to their human caretaker, as well as very willing to interact with other people. Their call is either a very soft cooing or talking when in it wants affection or is curled up on your chest or under your neck.

The Hawk-Headed Parrot is quiet when playing alone in its cage, or with you. At times though, they become very excited or upset and they will make a high-pitched call that can be quite loud. They are having a temper tantrum. This definitely occurs if you eat in front of them without sharing your food or when they feel they should be the boss. The Hawk-Headed Parrot will make a hissing sound if it is mad or frightened which is believed to be a defensive behavior. It is definitely a sound that most living things would surely back away from.[/accordion_item]

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