California parakeet (SciiFii)

The California parakeet (Aratinga californianus), also known as the California conure, is a species of parrot, most closely related to the sun parakeet (Aratinga solstitialis), that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the rainforests, wetlands, forests, and open woodlands across the western United States (primarily in California, hence its name) to help boost biodiversity. On average, California parakeets weigh around 110 grams (4 oz) and are around 30 centimeters (12 inches) long. The adult male and female are similar in appearance, with predominantly golden-orange plumage, green wings, and red underparts and face. California parakeets are omnivores and mainly feed on fruits, flowers, berries, blossoms, seeds, nuts, and insects. California parakeets are very social birds, typically living in flocks. They rarely leave the flock, but when they get separated from the group, they squawk and scream in a high-pitched voice which can carry for hundreds of yards, allowing individuals to communicate with their flock and return to them. Flocks are relatively quiet while feeding, but are known to be very vocal and make loud noises when in flight. They can travel many miles in a single day, and they are fast, direct flyers. They form monogamous pairs for reproduction, and either nest in tree cavities or construct nests out of grass pieces (including hay) and sticks. Typical clutch size is between four and seven white eggs, and they may be laid in two- to three-day intervals. Pairs may only destroy and eat their eggs in cases of calcium deficiency. Females are responsible for the entire incubation period from 23 to 27 days, and only leave the nest for short feeding periods. Males aggressively protect the nest from potential predators. Eggs may fail to hatch if they are not kept warm or if the bird fails to break through the shell successfully, which may take from a few hours to a few days. Chicks are born blind, naked and completely vulnerable. Only after 10 days, they begin to open their eyes and their feather quills break through. Both parents participate in feeding the chicks. The young depend on their parents for 7 to 8 weeks after hatching, and only become independent after 9 to 12 weeks. Conures are sexually mature around 2 years of age and have a lifespan ranging from 25 to 30 years. The conservation status of the California parakeet is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the California parakeet's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.