Hawk Headed
Personality: Wildcaught birds are very highstrung, but domestic handfeds make excellent pets. They are gregarious, outgoing and playful, similar to a conure. They learn to speak easily, usually saying hello by the time that they are two months old.
The most intriguing characteristic of this bird is the elongated feather on its nape. When raised, these feathers form a beautiful, erictile ruff. In South America, Hawkheads are known as red fan parrots, and indeed, each deep crimson crest feather is broadly barred at the tip in brilliant blue, creating a colorful fan when raised. The scalloping in the Hawkhead's headdress, though colored, is similar to that on the crest feathers of many hawks, hence the name.
The Hawkheaded Parrot usually keeps its crest down, raising it only when threatened. Some people claim that before a change in the weather, this will lift its crest feathers as it sings. I do not believe Hawkheads display their crest feathers during courtship, although no one knows for sure. The Hawkhead crest is unlike the crest of any other parrot or cockatoo. It looks alarming when raised suddenly, and Hawkheads in the wild probably erect their crests to frighten predators or any competion species. It's head doubles or even triples in size and this can be very intimidating.
Buff-Crowned Hawkhead
Is the smaller race, and it has whitish streaked feathers on the tops and sides of its head. Its forehead is dusty white. this is the moninate race.
Brazilian Hawkhead
Has a much darker crown than does the Buff-crowned, and its colors are brighter. The Brazilian Hawkhead is scarce in captivity because Brazil has banned the exportation of its wildlife, and this ban is unlikely to ever be lifted.