The Yellow-faced parrot (Alipiopsitta xanthops) has yellow-and-orange plumage on its face. A stocky, green bird native to the savannas and open woodlands of central South America – mainly Brazil, but also Bolivia and Paraguay – it is often confused with Amazon parrots. Unlike most parrots that nest in tree cavities, the Yellow-faced Parrot digs into the sides of active termite mounds to create its nest as they provide a secure environment, maintain a stable temperature, and offer protection from predators. While they mostly eat fruits, seeds, and flowers, they have also been observed foraging on the termites themselves, making them an unusual partial insectivore. It was originally classified alongside Amazon parrots in the genus Amazona, but genetic studies revealed it is so distinct that it was placed in its own, monotypic genus called Alipiopsitta.
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