Genus species (Animalia): Enicognathus leptorhynchus

The slender-billed parakeet, also called the long-billed parakeet (Enicognathus leptorhynchus), is a medium size South American parrot. It belongs to the smaller long-tailed Arinae (macaws and parakeets). It is known by the local common name choroy.

Distribution and habitat

The slender-billed parakeet is endemic to southern Chile. Its natural habitat is temperate forests, and its range stretches from central Chile, at the level of Mount Aconcagua, down to the island of Chiloé and the continental section of the country. The birds are social and flock together in large numbers. They are not especially afraid of humans, and the sighting of flocks in urban areas is not uncommon.

The species is reported to be locally common and is in the IUCN Red list category Least Concern.

Fairly common, but nomadic in the Lake District region of Chile. Found in farmland with forest patches, hedges, and scattered tall trees; less of a forest bird than the smaller and duller Austral Parakeet, although the two species rarely if ever mix together. Feeds in trees and on the ground, often in noisy swarming flocks of 100s, even 1000s; tends to be wary and often flies high overhead, unlike Austral. As well as the unique long and curved bill, note the big red face patch, small red belly patch, and brighter blue wings than Austral.

Reference: Wikipedia,ebird.org
Photos: Andrew Spencer, Shawn Billerman