
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Pionus senilis
A medium parrot 24 cm long with a white forehead and crown, likened to an old man's white hair and the source of the epithet senilis. It lives in Central American forest canopy and edge and is long-lived, reaching 30 years.
The white-crowned parrot (Pionus senilis) is a medium-sized parrot of the lowlands and foothills of Central America. The adult male has a white forehead and crown, a feature likened to an old man's white hair that gave rise to the specific name senilis. The female is similar but the blue plumage fades into scaling on the lower breast and the shoulder patch is duller. It occurs up to 1,600-2,300 m in forest canopy and edge and in adjacent semi-open woodland and second growth, chiefly humid tropical evergreen forest and pine-oak woodland but also pine savanna, moist lower montane growth, cultivated areas and pastures with scattered trees, plantations and wooded streams. In captivity an aviary or suspended enclosure at least 2 m long is recommended, with a vertical nest box about 24 x 24 x 51 cm. Clutches are of four to six eggs with fledging at eight weeks. The population is put at 50,000-500,000 mature individuals and is decreasing, but the IUCN lists the species as Least Concern.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The White-crowned Parrot (Pionus) lives About 30 years.
The White-crowned Parrot (Pionus) grows to 24cm (193-229g).
It is 24 cm long and weighs 193-229 g, with 220 g also reported.
Origin
Central America, from Mexico to western Panama in lowlands and foothills
Lifespan
About 30 years
Sources: World Parrot Trust Parrot Encyclopedia / Wikipedia - White-crowned 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 senilis (Spix, 1824)
Synonyms: Psittacus senilis
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Pionus senilis. 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
24cm (193-229g)
Temperature
15〜30℃
Humidity
40〜60%
Fruit, vegetables, greens, spray millet, small seeds and pellets
An aviary or suspended enclosure at least 2 m long is recommended, with a vertical nest box about 24 x 24 x 51 cm and misters or bowls for bathing.
It likes wooden toys, ladders, swings, ropes, foraging puzzles and vegetable-tanned leather chew toys, with perches of differing diameters.
Flight calls are continuous and screechy, and the everyday volume is high enough to call for soundproofing.
Listed on CITES Appendix II, so import requires an export permit. Wild populations are decreasing, so confirm that a bird is captive-bred.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The average lifespan of White-crowned Parrot (Pionus) is About 30 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
White-crowned Parrot (Pionus) typically reaches 24cm (193-229g) as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
White-crowned Parrot (Pionus) feeds on: Fruit, vegetables, greens, spray millet, small seeds and pellets. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of White-crowned 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