The coloring of the Blue Headed Pionus body feathers is an iridescent, forest green with electric blue head and neck feathers. There is a dark patch over the ears. The Blue Headed is the best talker, but may also be a little more vocal than the rest of the group. The White Cap Pionus is often confused with the White Fronted Amazon. White Capped have green and brown body feathers.
Chicks have a patch of white on the forehead which increases in size as the bird matures.
In adults, the patch grows to become a large, bright white cap. The cheeks and breast of the adult bird are covered with a light wash of beautiful indigo blue. The popular White Capped has earned a great reputation as a wonderful family pet. They are beautifully colored and have happy dispositions. The Dusky is very popular and also very difficult to find.