White-bellied Caique

White-breasted Caique
Genus: Pionites

Family: Psittacidae Pionites leucogaster leucogasterPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy Cheryl Galloway

   The White-bellied Caique or White-breasted Caique has a very active nature Guaranteed to get into anything and everything it can!

  The White-bellied Caiques are not only some of the most colorful birds in the parrot family, but are very intelligent and quick to learn tricks. They are affectionate, inquisitive, and love to show off.

   A distinguishing characteristic of the Caique is a lovely ruffled looking white breast and belly. This gave rise to it's name. 'Caique' is a term used to describe a full-dress, white shirt, with a ruffled front.

To learn more about Caique parrots visit:
Guide to a Happy, Healthy Caique

Scientific Name:Pionites leucogaster

Sub-species::

• Yellow-thighed Caique
  Pionites l. xanthomeria
• White-bellied (White-breasted) Caique
  Pionites l. leucogaster
• Yellowed-tailed Caique
  Pionites l. xanthurus

Distribution:
   This subspecies, the White-bellied Caique or White-breasted Caique, is found in South America along the upper Amazon river, specifically in Brazil. They inhabit the forest canopies in tropical zones.

Description:
   All three subspecies of White-bellied Caique have a mostly orange colored head with the lores, sides of the head, and the throat being yellow. The back and wings are green and the breast and belly are primarily creamy-white. The beak is horn colored and the eye is reddish-brown. The White-bellied Caique is distinguished from the other two subspecies by the green feathering in its thighs, it is also a bit smaller than the Yellow-thighed Caique.
   On juveniles the head is more brownish scattered with black feathers, the beak has gray markings by the base, and the eye is brown.

Size - Weight:
   Mature birds are about 9" (23cm) long from the head to the tip of the tail.

Care and feeding:
  A roomy cage is required unless the bird is to be let out for extended periods. Many birds can spend most of their time on a play pen or parrot perch.
  In the wild these birds eat fruits, seeds, and berries from the tree tops. The Caique's main diet should primarily be seeds, fruits, and green vegetables. A commercially prepared parrot mix or pelleted diet can also be beneficial.

   See About Caique Parrots: Housing and About Caique Parrots: Care and Feeding for more information.

Social Behaviors:
   Caiques enjoy human interaction as well as interaction with other birds. In the wild the Yellow-thighed Caiques are very social birds usually seen in pairs, a family group, or a small flock. They are highly social birds with a very active nature. They will require a lot of interaction with either you or from another companion.
   But despite this overall affectionate nature, some can get rather grumpy and nippy and can be aggressive to other birds. They should never be left unsupervised with other pets.

   See About Caique Parrots: Handling/Training for information on developing a well rounded Caique

Activities:
   They are very intelligent, energetic, and constantly on the move. Love to climb, play, and chew. They will get into anything and everything made available to them. Provide lots of toys and branches, and rotate new bird toys on a regular basis.

Breeding/Reproduction:
   White-bellied Caiques are a challenge to breed, however they are being bred successfully. The female will lay two to four eggs which incubate for about 27 days. The male will feed the female while she is brooding, and will join her in the nest box at various times during the day and at night. The hatchlings will leave the nest at about 10 weeks.

Potential Problems:
   Like most parrots, the caiques are quite hardy when provided a good environment and proper care.
   See About Caiques: Potential Problems for more information.

Availability: 
   Caiques in general are not as available as other parrot species and are quite a bit more expensive. This White-bellied Caique, Pionites l. leucogaster, is the most common of the three subspecies and is occasionally available.

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