Red Masked Parakeet General Info
One of the best-known Parakeet breeds, the Red Masked Parakeet is a popular and well-loved pet. Gaining a lot more popularity through a documentary movie, “ The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill”, these birds have been one of the most commonly imported parrots into the US. With their friendly and playful personality, ease of care and good companionship, these lively birds are prized pet parrots with good reason. They do have some talking ability as well, a feat that is popular with most owners. So let’s go ahead and meet the Red Masked Parakeet.
These parrots have numerous feral populations all over the United States, Spain, and Hawaii.
Native Region/Natural Habitat
The Red Masked Parakeet is most commonly found in rainforests and dense jungles of southern Ecuador and northern Peru. They are also considered as one of the iconic parrots of Peru, thanks to their easily recognizable looks. These parrots are also spotted in semi-urban areas, where they adapt easily and thrive. Several feral populations exist far from their natural habitat. They were mostly started by escaped birds. The largest of these feral populations are found in Spain, Hawaii, Mexico, as well as San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Long Beach. Even in Houston, Texas, there are large populations of these colorful, lively parrots and they are a loved sight. But in Ecuador, their natural home, these parrots are under threat, with a significant decrease in numbers.
Overall Description
These birds retain most of the general physical aspects of the Conure family of birds, but they also bring a few fresh details into the mix. Thanks to their few iconic aspects, they are easy to recognize. The adults will reach an average length of 13 inches (33 centimeters), a large part of which is taken up by the long tail feathers. They weigh around 7 ounces (200 grams). Slender and sleek, these parrots have a lot of natural energy and will require plenty of room to move about.
Speech and Sounds
Red Masked Parakeet is on a moderate level when it comes to noise, but apartment owners will still want to consider them as pets. These parrots are often vocal and love to express themselves with their natural calls. While they are not often heard or ear-piercing, they are still loud and screechy. This can be easily tolerated, though. They can also learn to repeat a few words or phrases, picking them up on the go. This is always a fun aspect with pet parrots and a one that many owners love above all else.
Colors
These parakeets are not among the flashiest birds out there, but with their exotic tones and a few striking details, Red Masked Parakeet stands out in the feathery crowd. Their bodies are almost entirely deep, tropical green, with lighter shades on the belly and beneath the tail. The head is colored in deep crimson red, a distinct feature that gives them their name. Their shoulders are also red. They have white rings around the eyes, a small detail that completes this look and ads an important contrast. Although having just a few simple colors and no exotic details, the Red Masked Parakeet still succeeds at charming most owners around the world.
Simple is not always dull. With just a few colors, the Red Masked Parakeet is an undeniable charmer.
Care and Feeding
To achieve a balanced diet for your pet, you will have to include all the important vitamins and nutrients that are found in their wild diet. This consists of different seeds, crops, insects and wild fruits. These can be paralleled with a good commercial seed mix for conures and parakeets, and a regular addition of fresh fruit and vegetables. A balanced and varied diet is a foundation of good health for your pet parrot. Combined with good hygiene and plenty of exercise, your Red Masked Parakeet will have a healthy and happy life.
Health and Common Conditions
Although they are slender and slim, they are not so fragile when it comes to health. A Red Masked Parakeet can easily live for up to 25 years if cared for properly. With optimal conditions, good diet and social interaction, this can be easily achieved. Just make sure to avoid neglect – take care of your pet’s needs. These friendly and playful birds will require your companionship, and if they lack that they will become a lonely and, soon after, a sick parrot.
The three important aspects of good care are hygiene, diet, and interaction. Make sure that all three are taken care of.
Personality & Behavior
Red Masked Parakeet is known for its friendly personality- they have a reputation of being very playful and intelligent birds. These birds won’t hesitate to demand playtime, so a few parrot toys will work to your advantage. They are inquisitive little explorers when they are given the freedom of the house, and keeping an eye out should be a priority. But still, their energy, fun behavior and affectionate nature are the best qualities of this parrot – you will surely fall in love. A Red Masked Parakeet might have all the traits that a pet owner can desire!
Photo credit: Ian Fox/Shutterstock; Bildagentur Zoonar GmbH/Shutterstock
