Red-fan parrot, the only parrot with a dramatic feathered “fan”
The Red-fan Parrot (Deroptyus accipitrinus), also known as the Hawk-headed Parrot, is native to the rainforests of the Amazon Basin. At rest, it looks like many other medium-sized parrots, with green plumage and maroon underparts. But when threatened or excited, it transforms — raising a spectacular fan of elongated neck feathers, flashing vivid red, blue, and green in a display unlike any other parrot.
This striking adaptation serves as both a defense mechanism to intimidate predators and a form of communication with other parrots. The dramatic fan gives it the nickname “hawk-headed,” as it resembles a raptor’s hooded stance when flared.
Red-fan Parrots are intelligent and social, feeding on fruit, seeds, and nuts high in the canopy. They are known for their sharp, piercing calls that echo through dense forest. Despite their unusual appearance, they remain relatively little-studied in the wild.
Currently, the species is listed as Least Concern, but habitat destruction in the Amazon poses ongoing risks. For bird enthusiasts, the Red-fan Parrot is unforgettable — the only parrot that can suddenly shift from ordinary to spectacular with one movement of its feathers.
