Birds Active during the day

Tui Parakeet

Brotogeris sanctithomae

iNaturalist eBird Wikipedia

A social and spirited resident of the Amazon, the Tui Parakeet is instantly recognizable by the sun-yellow patch on its forehead. These acrobatic green parrots bring life and noise to gardens and riverbanks across South America.

0 Sightings

0 Habitats

Quick Identification

straighten

Size

17–18 cm (6.5–7 inches) in length; weight ranges from 55–65 g (1.9–2.3 oz)

palette

Colors

Primary plumage is a vibrant grass-green; distinctive bright yellow patch on the forehead; pale horn-colored or flesh-toned bill; yellowish-green underparts.

visibility

Key Features

Distinctive bright yellow forehead patch
Small, stocky build with a short, pointed tail
Pale, flesh-colored beak
Narrow pale-grey eye-ring

When You’ll See Them

schedule

Activity pattern Active during the day

brightness_5

Peak hours 6-9 AM, 3-6 PM

calendar_month

Season Year-round

restaurant

Diet Primarily frugivorous and nectarivorous; feeds on figs, berries, palm fruits, and seeds, while also visiting flowering trees for nectar and blossoms.

park

Habitat Humid lowland forests, riverine edges, secondary growth, and suburban parks or gardens with fruiting trees.

public Geographic range

Where Does the Tui Parakeet Live?

Native to the lush tropical heart of South America, the Tui Parakeet is a specialist of the Amazon Basin. Its core range spans northern Bolivia, western and central Brazil, eastern Peru, and southeastern Colombia, with occasional populations appearing in eastern Ecuador. It is most frequently encountered along major river corridors and in the low-lying seasonally flooded forests that characterize this vast tropical region.

Basemap © OpenStreetMap contributors

5 Countries

3.4M km² Range

Least Concern Conservation

BR Brazil

Marginal

PE Peru

Marginal

CO Colombia

Marginal

BO Bolivia

Marginal

EC Ecuador

Marginal

eco

iNaturalist / Verified observation data

View on iNaturalist open_in_new

Explore more Birds arrow_forward

Behavior

Tui Parakeets are exceptionally social birds, almost always found in pairs or loud, energetic flocks that can range from a dozen to several hundred individuals. They are known for their high-pitched, metallic chattering calls which they maintain even while flying. They are highly acrobatic foragers, often seen hanging upside down from thin branches to reach ripening fruit or blossoms.

While they are naturally forest-dwellers, they have adapted remarkably well to human presence, often visiting suburban gardens and orchards near the Amazon's edge. They are not particularly shy and can be quite bold when a reliable food source is discovered, frequently returning to the same trees day after day. Their social structure is tight-knit, and they often engage in allopreening (mutual grooming) during the heat of the day.

photo_camera EverydayEarth exclusive

Camera Tips

To capture the Tui Parakeet on camera, placement is everything. These birds are canopy-dwellers but will descend to lower levels for food and water. Mount your camera 5 to 8 feet off the ground, ideally facing a fruiting tree like a guava or a palm, or near a specialized nectar feeder. Because they move quickly and in groups, use a camera with a high-speed trigger and a 'burst' or 'photo gallery' mode to ensure you catch the action rather than just a blur of green feathers.

Lighting is a major factor in the deep forest or garden shadows where these parakeets forage. Position your camera facing north or south to avoid direct sun flare, which can wash out the brilliant yellow on their foreheads. If your camera has adjustable ISO settings, a slightly higher sensitivity can help capture crisp images in the dappled light of a garden canopy. Early morning, just after sunrise, is the golden hour for Tui Parakeet activity as they leave their roosts in search of breakfast.

If you are trying to attract them to a specific spot for your camera, consider a birdbath or a shallow water feature. Tui Parakeets are frequent drinkers and bathers, especially during the drier months. A dripping water sound or a small solar-powered fountain can act as a powerful lure. Ensure the camera angle captures the water's surface from a slight distance to account for the parakeets' habit of landing on nearby branches first to scout for safety before hopping down to drink.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Tui Parakeet.

Yellow-chevroned Parakeet

Lacks the yellow forehead of the Tui and features prominent yellow markings on the wing coverts.

Cobalt-winged Parakeet

Features bright blue flight feathers and lacks the yellow forehead patch entirely.

Orange-chinned Parakeet

Has a small orange patch under the beak rather than a yellow patch on the forehead.

Browse all Birds arrow_forward

Frequently Asked Questions

Tui Parakeets are most active during the early morning hours, typically between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM, and again in the late afternoon before sunset as they gather in large flocks to return to their roosting sites.

The best way to attract Tui Parakeet is by planting native fruiting trees like figs or guavas, or by providing a consistent water source like a birdbath. In areas where they are common, they may also visit feeders offering tropical fruits like bananas or papaya.

Their diet consists mainly of soft fruits, seeds, and nectar. They are particularly fond of the fruit from Ficus trees and the nectar from large tropical blossoms found in the Amazonian canopy.

Yes, unlike some more reclusive parrot species, Tui Parakeets have adapted well to modified landscapes and are frequently seen in suburban gardens, parks, and agricultural areas that retain some mature trees.

The easiest way is to look at the forehead; Tui Parakeets have a bright yellow patch right above the beak, whereas Yellow-chevroned Parakeets have a mostly green head and distinctive yellow patches on their wings.

Record Tui Parakeet at your habitat

Connect a camera to start building your own species record — AI identifies every visitor automatically.

Join free Identify a photo