A long-tailed green conure, the Austral Parakeet is the southernmost parrot in the Americas. Social, vocal, and often conspicuous, it forms flocks that may exceed 100 individuals, especially outside the breeding season.
Although primarily a seed-eater, it also consumes nuts, fruits, berries, and leaf buds. In rural areas it may forage in cultivated fields and can cause damage to grain crops. Despite harsh southern winters, it remains resident in much of its range. Nesting occurs in deep tree cavities, where clutches typically contain 4–8 eggs.
Conservation note
Listed as Least Concern and generally common throughout its range, with substantial habitat occurring inside protected areas in both Chile and Argentina. Although occasionally persecuted as an agricultural pest and subject historically to small-scale trapping, populations remain stable overall. Continued conservation of temperate forest ecosystems, particularly mature cavity-bearing trees, is important for long-term breeding success.
