Black-headed Caique

• ExerciseVery high

  A high-energy flyer — serious daily flight time and enrichment are essential.

• GroomingEasy upkeep

  Fresh bath water and an occasional mist are all they ask.

• Living spaceStandard cage

  A proper cage and daily out-of-cage time fit fine in an apartment.

• Owner experienceFor experienced owners

  Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• Commitment25–35 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Feather plucking · Respiratory issues · Obesity

The Black-headed Caique (Pionites melanocephalus) comes from the northern Amazon basin, north of the river, where the White-bellied Caique replaces it to the south. It is a compact, stocky, short-tailed parrot of 130 to 170 grams that lives twenty-five to thirty-five years, and it is best known for a habit no other parrot shares: instead of climbing sedately, it hops, bounces and tumbles, and it will surf across a carpet on its back. This is the most physically active parrot most people will keep. A caique needs several hours out of the cage every day with things to wrestle, shred, chase and roll on, and it does not settle for less. It is fearless to the point of recklessness around larger birds and household hazards, so supervision is genuinely required. It is also a determined biter: caiques nip hard when excited, and while consistent training and reading body language reduce it, this is not a good bird for young children. Provide a wide cage with plenty of horizontal space, a foraging tray, hammocks and a heavy rotation of destructible toys. Feed a pellet base with fresh vegetables, leafy greens and limited fruit; caiques love fruit and will fill up on it at the cost of everything else. They are not strong talkers and their voice is a high whistle rather than a scream, which makes them more apartment-viable than a conure. Watch for obesity, feather plucking from boredom, and chronic egg laying in hens, and see an avian vet annually.

• How much activity does a Black-headed Caique need?

  Very high. A high-energy flyer — serious daily flight time and enrichment are essential.

• How much feather care does a Black-headed Caique need?

  Easy upkeep. Fresh bath water and an occasional mist are all they ask.

• What cage does a Black-headed Caique need?

  Standard cage. A proper cage and daily out-of-cage time fit fine in an apartment.

• Is a Black-headed Caique a good fit for first-time owners?

  For experienced owners. Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• How long do Black-headed Caique live?

  25–35 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Black-headed Caique?

  Keep an eye out for Feather plucking, Respiratory issues, Obesity. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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