Mitred Parakeet

Cf. Red-masked Parakeet.  Their natural ranges are not known to overlap, but introduced populations of Mitred and Red-masked Parakeets occur together in several cities.  Mitred has highly variable plumage, an inherently confusing species, whereas adult Red-masked has a consistent pattern.  Immature plumages of the two species can be essentially identical, and are usually identifiable only by their association with adults.

Adult Red-masked is distinguished by its contiguous red hood, which tapers toward the chin.  The red area sometimes has a rough border and a few stray specks, but usually gives a helmet-like impression.  Mitred can show essentially the same amount of red on the head, but its distribution is blotchier, with scattered specks of red over a wider area.  Red-masked shows red on the shoulder of the folded wing and a distinct red bar on the leading edge of the underwing, where Mitred shows little or no red.

Voice can be a useful clue.  Mitred and Red-masked have similar repertoires, but Red-masked’s calls tend to be higher-pitched: its nasal creaking has a jay-like quality and its screams are thin and piercing.  Mitred’s nasal creaking is mellower and its screams are harsher, less shrill than Red-masked’s.