Biology and conservation of the Austral Parakeet (Enicognathus ferrugineus) in Argentina

Abstract

The Austral Parakeet (Enicognathus ferrugineus) is the southernmost distributed psittacid of the world. Endemic to the Andean-Patagonic forests, it is present on both sides of the Andes. There is no evidence of gender or age dimorphism. It maximizes high nutritional food intake (pollen and seeds) by following altitudinal phenological changes of one of its main food sources: Nothofagus pumilio. Protein intake is concentrated during the pre-reproductive season by consuming larvae and pollen, both otherwise very uncommon items in psittacid's diets. Pollen digestibility is the highest recorded, suggesting its importance in a seasonal environment with winter scarcity. The Austral Parakeet is a secondary cavity nester, which lays its eggs (4–8, up to 11) at the end of December, with nestling survivorship higher than 60%, except in low food availability years when lower survivorship is observed. Only the female incubates the eggs. Both female and male participate in feeding and rearing nestlings, which fledge 53 days after hatching. Conservation status of the Austral Parakeet is unclear due to the general lack of knowledge of the species, its biology and the effect of human actions on its habitat. For these reasons studies of population parameters, longevity in the wild, competition and potential effects of environmental disturbances on distribution, reproductive biology, habitat use, and nest site selection should be a priority.