
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Pionus menstruus
A medium parrot 28 cm long, deep blue from head to breast with a green body and red undertail coverts.
The blue-headed parrot, or blue-headed pionus (Pionus menstruus), is widespread from southern Central America through South America. Besides the nominate subspecies found through most of its South American range, rubrigularis of southern Central America and the Choco is paler overall and usually shows a distinct pinkish throat patch, while reichenowi of the Atlantic Forest of east Brazil has a paler bill and mostly blue underparts. In all subspecies male and female are alike, and juveniles have less blue on the head plus red or pinkish feathers around the cere. It lives in deciduous woodland, cerrado, humid and wet forest, mature second growth, seasonally flooded varzea and gallery forest and plantations, up to 1,600 m. In captivity an aviary or suspended enclosure 2-3 m long is recommended, and the birds are avid chewers. Clutches are of three to four eggs, with a long fledging period of ten weeks.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Blue-headed Parrot (Pionus) lives 30-45 years.
The Blue-headed Parrot (Pionus) grows to 27-28cm (234-295g).
It is 27-28 cm long and weighs 234-295 g, deep blue from head to breast with a green body and red undertail coverts.
Origin
Southern Central America and South America (Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Bolivia and beyond)
Lifespan
30-45 years
Sources: World Parrot Trust Parrot Encyclopedia / Wikipedia - Blue-headed parrot
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Pionus menstruus (Linnaeus, 1766)
Synonyms: Psittacus menstruus
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Pionus menstruus. The order Psittaciformes is listed in CITES Appendix II except for species placed in Appendix I, so this species is Appendix II and international trade requires an export permit.
Sources: CITES Appendices (Appendix II) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Size
27-28cm (234-295g)
Temperature
15〜30℃
Humidity
40〜60%
Fruit (about 30 per cent of the diet), vegetables, greens, spray millet, small seeds, pulses and pellets
An aviary or suspended enclosure 2-3 m long is recommended, with a vertical nest box about 25 x 25 x 61 cm and overhead misters or shallow bowls for bathing.
An avid chewer needing unsprayed flowering, fir, pine, willow and elder branches, wooden and leather toys, foraging puzzles, ladders and swings.
It gives high-pitched screeches with some harsh, shrill notes. The voice is loud, so placement matters in flats.
Listed on CITES Appendix II, so import requires an export permit. Fruit makes up about 30 per cent of the diet, so a seed-centred regime leaves the bird unbalanced.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The average lifespan of Blue-headed Parrot (Pionus) is 30-45 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Blue-headed Parrot (Pionus) typically reaches 27-28cm (234-295g) as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Blue-headed Parrot (Pionus) feeds on: Fruit (about 30 per cent of the diet), vegetables, greens, spray millet, small seeds, pulses and pellets. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Blue-headed Parrot (Pionus) varies significantly depending on variety, age, sex, and the individual animal's condition. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 16, 2026