Golden Parakeet Guaruba guarouba

The Golden Parakeet is an emblematic, large, predominantly yellow psittacine, endemic to the Brazilian Amazon. Its Brazilian and indigenous name, 'Ararajuba,' means yellow macaw and, recently, genetic data has shown that the Golden Parakeets are more related to Red-shouldered Macaw (Diopsittaca nobilis) than to Aratinga parakeets. The species occurs mainly in terra firme forest on undulating landscapes in the lowlands of the border of Brazilian Shield. Golden Parakeets are extremely social, even during the reproductive period. They roost in small groups (<20 individuals) inside cavities of high and isolated trees in open areas near the continuous forest and the same cavity is also used as nest. The mating system is still not defined, and the presence of multiple pairs, reproductive helpers or juveniles from different generations of a single leading pair has been proposed. Its habitat has been destroyed by human activities in the last decades and illegal pet trade has impacted continuously its small estimated population in the wild (<2500). Due to its colors, status and habits, Golden Parakeet is the best alternative for Brazilian national bird.