Hawk-Headed Parrot
A striking South American parrot known for its dramatic raised neck feathers, colourful head, intelligent nature, and distinctive appearance.
The Hawk-Headed Parrot (Deroptyus accipitrinus) is a distinctive New World parrot from South America. Its most remarkable feature is the ability to raise the feathers around its head and neck, creating a hawk-like appearance. Unlike true hawks, however, it is a fruit-, seed-, and plant-eating parrot. Its colourful plumage, expressive crest, and active personality make it one of the more unusual parrots in aviculture.
A Dramatic Head
Its green body contrasts with a colourful head and chest. When excited, the elongated neck feathers rise dramatically around the head.
Active & Expressive
This intelligent parrot uses body language, calls, and feather displays to communicate. Regular interaction and enrichment help support its active nature.
Fruit, Seeds & Plants
In the wild, Hawk-Headed Parrots feed on a variety of plant foods. Captive diets should therefore provide balanced nutrition with appropriate fruits, vegetables, and formulated parrot food.
A parrot with an unforgettable silhouette, the Hawk-Headed Parrot turns a simple feather display into a spectacular visual statement.
Basic Hawk-Headed Parrot Care
Hawk-Headed Parrots need a spacious, secure enclosure that allows climbing, movement, and natural feather displays. Provide sturdy perches, safe chewing materials, and rotating enrichment to keep the bird mentally engaged. Their diet should include a quality formulated parrot food alongside suitable fresh vegetables and fruits. Fresh water should always be available. Because parrots are intelligent and social, regular positive interaction is also important. Proper sleep, hygiene, exercise, and routine veterinary care support long-term wellbeing.
Hawk-Headed Parrot FAQs
What is a Hawk-Headed Parrot?
The Hawk-Headed Parrot is a colourful South American parrot scientifically known as Deroptyus accipitrinus. It gets its common name from its unusual ability to raise the feathers around its head and neck, giving it a hawk-like profile. Despite this appearance, it is a true parrot and feeds mainly on plant-based foods. Its striking plumage and expressive behaviour make it particularly distinctive among New World parrots.
Why is it called a Hawk-Headed Parrot?
The name comes from its dramatic feather display. When the bird becomes excited, alert, or stimulated, the elongated feathers around its head and neck can rise outward. This creates a silhouette that resembles the head and ruff of a bird of prey. However, the resemblance is purely visual. The Hawk-Headed Parrot is not related to hawks and does not have a carnivorous lifestyle.
What does a Hawk-Headed Parrot eat?
Hawk-Headed Parrots naturally consume plant-based foods such as fruits, seeds, and other available vegetation. In captivity, nutrition should come from a balanced parrot diet rather than fruit alone. Suitable fresh vegetables and controlled portions of fruit can add variety. Furthermore, fresh drinking water should always be available. A qualified avian veterinarian can help create an appropriate diet for an individual bird.
Are Hawk-Headed Parrots good pets?
They can be rewarding companion birds for experienced parrot keepers who understand their social and enrichment needs. However, they are intelligent, active birds and require consistent care rather than occasional attention. They need safe housing, mental stimulation, chewing opportunities, exercise, and regular interaction. Therefore, prospective owners should consider the bird’s long-term needs before choosing a Hawk-Headed Parrot as a companion.
What kind of cage does a Hawk-Headed Parrot need?
A Hawk-Headed Parrot needs a strong, spacious enclosure that supports climbing, wing movement, play, and feather displays. Horizontal space is especially useful because parrots naturally move between perches and climbing areas. Use safe, appropriately sized perches and provide toys that encourage chewing and problem-solving. In addition, the enclosure should be secure and positioned away from hazards such as smoke, toxic fumes, and extreme temperature changes.
Why does a Hawk-Headed Parrot raise its feathers?
Raising the head and neck feathers is one of the most recognisable behaviours of this species. The display can occur when the bird is excited, alert, stimulated, or responding to a particular situation. It dramatically changes the bird’s silhouette and is an important part of its visual communication. Owners should therefore learn to understand the bird’s overall body language instead of interpreting the feather display on its own.
What should I consider before getting a Hawk-Headed Parrot?
Before getting a Hawk-Headed Parrot, consider its space, diet, enrichment, social needs, noise level, and long-term care requirements. A responsible source should provide clear information about the bird’s origin and health. You should also check applicable wildlife, import, and ownership regulations before acquiring any parrot. Most importantly, choose a bird only when you can provide secure housing, balanced nutrition, daily care, and appropriate veterinary support throughout its life.
