Arinae

Arinae is a subfamily within the parrot family Psittacidae that comprises a large portion of the New World parrots. Members are distributed across the Americas, from arid regions of the southwestern United States to tropical South America, with the highest diversity in Central America and the Andean regions. They occupy a range of habitats including tropical forests, woodlands, savannas, and increasingly urban environments, often adapting to altered landscapes.

Arinae parrots vary from small conure-like species to large macaws. Plumage is frequently bright, with combinations of green bodies and red, blue, yellow, or violet markings; some genera are predominantly green. They are generally social, forming flocks that roost and forage together. Diets are diverse and mainly omnivorous, consisting of seeds, fruit, nuts, blossoms, and occasionally insects. Vocalizations are complex, and several species are capable of mimicry and loud calls. Reproduction usually occurs in tree cavities or termite nests; both parents participate in incubation and chick rearing, and clutch sizes range from two to six eggs depending on the species.

Taxonomy and conservation: The Arinae have been treated in various ways in parrot systematics; modern classifications commonly place them in Psittacidae as the New World subfamily Arinae, distinct from Old World parrots in other subfamilies. The group includes widely known genera such as Ara (macaws) and Amazona. Many Arinae species face threats from habitat destruction, fragmentation, and trapping for the pet trade, leading to declines in several populations. IUCN assessments list some species as Vulnerable or Endangered; conservation measures focus on habitat protection, legal protections, and, where feasible, breeding programs and regulation of international trade.