Origin
The Cactus parrot (Eupsittula cactorum) is part of the family Psittacidae, genus Eupsittula.
It is also known as the Caatinga Parrot. It is endemic to (lives only in) the Caatinga region of northeastern Brazil.
Feeding Cactus Parrot
In the wild it feeds on seeds, fruits and sprouts. Like fruits prefer berries, especially the fruits of a dwarf tree.
They say their main source of food is cactus seeds.
In captivity the best choice is the mix of seeds that provide a variety of nutrients along with many fruits and vegetables. Besides these parrots can also be fed with oatmeal, boiled rice
and other cereals. During the breeding season it is good to supplement the feed and add boiled egg.
Features Parrot Cactus
The cactus parrot is 25cm long and weighs 120 grams. The head and body are brownish-green, the wings are green, the chest orange and the beak brownish.
They usually fly in groups of 6-8 individuals vocalizing "Krik-Krik-Krik-Krik"sounds.
Cactus parrot is an excellent companion, funny, friendly and affectionate. It gets along well with other birds of the same family (Psittacidae). It also attaches itself to the Masters by considering them
members of the flock.
Reproduction Parrot Cactus
The nest is built in an active termite tree. The bird digs an access entrance to the base from the bottom up with a diameter proportional to its size.
This entrance is very discreet and difficult to detect contributing to the safety of the nest. The interior room is quite spacious, having a diameter of 25cm.
The source says that it can lay up to 9 Eggs, which is hard for me to believe that such a small bird would lay so many eggs.
Incubation lasts 25-26 days. Termites also remain active but will not disturb birds or their eggs. The nest contains 3-4 eggs and incubation lasts 28-30 days. The chicks will be completely covered with feathers after 40 days.
If you want to breed Cactus parrots in captivity it is good to know that they can be picky about the size and shape of the nest.
If they do not want to mate it is best to provide them with several types of nesting and they themselves choose the most suitable. Ideally, you should get one that mimics the one in the wild.
