Patagonian Conure

Patagonian Conure

The burrowing parrot (Cyanoliseus patagonus) is a bird species in the parrot family. It belongs to the smaller long-tailed Arinae (macaws and conures). It is also known as the Patagonian conure and some authorities call it the burrowing parakeet. The burrowing parrot belongs to the monotypic genus Cyanoliseus, but the species is not monotypic, having several subspecies.

It is mainly found in Argentina. A very much reduced population still survives in Chile, and migration of some Argentine populations to Uruguay has been reported for the winter. Sometimes, strong westerly winds bring some individuals to the Falkland Islands.

Its natural habitat is the arid bush steppe community known as the Monte Desert.

The burrowing parrot has a monogamous mating system with very strong biparental care. Genetic testing has recently shown that this species is one of a few animals that is genetically monogamous in a socially monogamous mating system. Nest parasitism is not known to occur in this species. The Patagonian conure has eyelashes, a distinctive feature among birds.

Colourization Adult:

C.p. patagonus: Both adults olive/brown head, neck, back and breast; lower back to tail and upper abdomen yellow; orange/red thighs and centre of abdomen; throat and breast grey/brown, white marks at bend of wing on breast; tail olive/green tinted with blue, undertail brown/grey. White bare eye-ring, eye pale yellow. Bill dark grey.         

C.p. conlara: Both adults as in patagonus, but with darker breast.             

C.p. andinus: Both adults duller than patagonus; little yellow on lower underparts; centre of abdomen dull orange/red; white markings on breast very faint.           

C.p. bloxami: Both adults brighter yellow on lower underparts, brighter red on thighs and centre of abdomen, more extensive white on breast forming a wide band; larger in size..