Scientific Name: Pyrilia haematotis

Medium-sized, rather chunky parrot of humid tropical lowlands. Found in rainforest and edge, where easily overlooked in the canopy, feeding quietly on fruits. Most often seen in fast direct flight, low over the canopy in pairs or small groups. In flight, armpits show brilliant red, but often birds are flying too fast to see this. On perched birds, note the brown head (small red ear patch is rarely visible), pale spectacles, and very pale bill.

You may hear them before you see them. The Brown-hooded Parrot has a sharp, high-pitched call that’s often given in flight. When a flock is flying, they can create a considerable din, with their calls echoing through the forest. When perched, their calls are often softer, and sometimes they fall silent altogether while feeding. Their breeding season is from around December to March, and they typically nest in tree cavities, often high up in large, old-growth trees.