The hawk-headed parrot comes from the Amazon Basin in South America. Also known as red-fan parrots, hawk-headed parrots are the only Old World Parrots with movable crests. Hawk-heads are not common pet parrots, in part because wild hawk-headed parrots do not congregate in large flocks. This makes the wild parrots harder to capture, although the illegal pet trade still manages to have a significant impact on wild populations of red-fan parrots.
Hawk-Headed Parrot Description
Physically, hawk-headed parrots are a medium-sized parrot. Their defining feature is a neck ring of red and blue feathers that can be raised when the bird is curious, excited, angry or scared. The chest is covered with the same red and blue feathers. A hawk-headed parrot's head is a buff brown. The wings and the broad, square tail are green.
Hawk-Headed Parrots as Pets
Hawk-headed parrots can be loving, affectionate companions, despite a reputation for also being aggressive and demanding. Their territorial nature and occasionally high-strung personalities do not recommend them as a "beginner bird." Parrot owners with some experience training pet birds, however, should find much to love in a red-fan parrot. A well-trained hawk-head is a loyal – sometimes fiercely loyal – companion.
While hawk-headed parrots have a reputation as one-person birds, early socialization and training can ensure that any pet parrot is well-behaved around people.
Parrot Cages and Hawk-Headed Parrot Toys
Although a red-fan parrot is quite a small bird, approximately the same size as an Amazon parrot, it generally requires larger parrot cages than birds of equal size. A hawk-headed parrot is quite capable of using every inch of a cage made for much larger parrots, especially if it will be left in the cage for extended periods of time.
Hawk-headed parrots love toys of all types, but seem especially attracted to toys that they can "fight" with. Foraging toys, chew toys and swings are also appreciated. Because hawk-headed parrots play hard, it's important to check toys for damage on a regular basis. A damaged toy is a potentially dangerous parrot toy.
Hawk-Headed Parrot Diet
Wild hawk-headed parrots eat a wide variety of food, including fruits, flowers, leaves, flower buds and nuts. Pet parrots should be fed as varied a diet as possible, including vegetables, fruits, dark leafy greens, grains, nuts and a good quality pellet formula.
Hawk-headed parrots need a diet high in vitamin A. To accommodate this need, the parrot should be fed collards, kale and other dark leafy greens, along with deep yellow and orange fruits and vegetables. Sweet potato is often a popular choice for hawk-headed parrots.
Hawk-Headed Parrot Breeders
Due to their relative rarity, hawk-headed parrots cost more than most pet parrots of the same size. Parrot breeders may change $1,200 to $1,800 a bird, with females being more expensive as they are less common. Hawk-headed parrots may occasionally turn up in bird sanctuaries, although not as often as large cockatoos. Take the time to find a reputable parrot breeder if you're considering buying a hawk-headed parrot. How the breeder cares for the baby hawk-head can have a long-lasting effect on the bird's personality.
With proper care and diet a hawk-headed parrot can live thirty to forty years. Their lifespan makes hawk-heads a long-term commitment. For an experience parrot owner these magnificent, occasionally temperamental birds can be truly loving companions.
