Fun Facts About Nanday Parakeets

Recognized by its black head (and formerly called Black-hooded Parakeet), this species was originally found in the central interior of South America, from southern Brazil to northern Argentina. It has been popular in the cage bird trade, and Nanday Parakeets escaped from captivity have established large feral populations often found around neighborhood parks and gardens.

Mature birds average 12.5 - 13 inches in length and weigh between ~ 4.9 - 5.2 ounces.

Nandays have a distinctive black head, and wings and tails tipped with dark blue feathers. They have a light-blue scarf of differing intensity, as well as bright red feathers on their legs and around their vents.

Males and females look generally alike. The gender cannot be visually verified. 

Immature birds have less blue on the throat and breast; and have a shorter tail. The maturity of a Nanday can be told by the edges of its black hood: if the hood has a ragged edge of brown, then the bird is over a year old.

Calls: Their loud and shrill calls are screeching in flight or when alarmed, or a shrill chattering while perching. Like all parrots, they are particularly vocal early morning and in the late afternoon.

If you are in the Conejo or San Fernando Valley look (or listen) for Nanday Parakeets, they love to visit bird feeders!