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THE PARROT SPECIES FIELD GUIDE · Psittacidae

Golden-plumed Parakeet

Leptosittaca branickii

Meet the golden-plumed parakeet: its taxonomic place, natural range and conservation record.

Golden-plumed Parakeet — Leptosittaca branickii
Golden-plumed Parakeet
SPECIES NOTES

A closer look.

Scientific names follow AviList v2025b. Read the taxonomy and source notes for changes in classification.

About this species

The golden-plumed parakeet (Leptosittaca branickii) is a Neotropical parrot species within the family Psittacidae, belonging to the monotypic genus Leptosittaca. This somewhat Aratinga-like species is found in humid temperate highland forests, especially with Podocarpus, on the east Andean slope in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. It is generally local and uncommon. It is threatened by habitat loss. Clearing of high-altitude forests for agricultural reasons have greatly impacted the loss of habitat for this parakeet species. Further reduction of such habitats will continue to diminish the number of golden-plumed parakeets left in South America.

Where it occurs

Humid Andes of southern Colombia to Ecuador and central Peru.

Conservation record

AviList v2025b records this species as least concern. Assessments and taxonomy can change; follow the source checklist for updates.

Sources & image credit

Names, family, range and conservation record: AviList Core Team (2026), AviList v2025b, CC BY 4.0. Species summary: Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0. Length, weight and longevity when listed: World Parrot Trust species account.

Image: markaharper1. Original file and full credit · CC BY-SA 2.0. Display size and encoding adjusted.