Pfrimer's parakeet
Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Family
Genus
SPECIES
Pyrrhura pfrimeri

Pfrimer's parakeet (Pyrrhura pfrimeri ) is a non-migratory species within the parrot family Psittacidae. It also is known as Pfrimer's conure, Goias parakeet, and maroon-faced conure. The Pfrimer's parakeet has been qualified as endangered by the IUCN and BirdLife International since 2007. It is endemic to the Goiás and Tocantins regions of Brazil. It is mainly found within a belt of dry deciduous and semi-deciduous areas of the Caatinga forest.

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It was considered a subspecies of the white-eared parakeet, as Pyrrhura leucotis pfrimeri. The split was based on range, differences in habitat and distinctive differences in plumage (it is the only member of the P. leucotis complex where the pale patch on the ear-coverts is greatly reduced). A recent study based on mtDNA has confirmed its status as a distinct species.

The population of Pfrimer's parakeet is currently decreasing, with a current population of between 20,000 and 49,000 individuals. The main factor behind the decreasing population is deforestation for agriculture.

Individuals have an average lifespan of 6–8 years.

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Appearance

Adult and juvenile Pfrimer's parakeet look similar in plumage. They have brown and red faces and ear coverts, with a blue crown. They have white or grey eye rings surround their brown or orange eyes above their gray or black beaks. Their necks are covered in green or blue feathers. The breasts are colored blue or green with hints of white and brown, while their abdomen is brown/red. The wings have a blend of red, green, and blue. Their tails are typically seen to be maroon with a green base.

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Adult Pfrimer's parakeets grow up to a size of around 22–23 cm (8.5–9 ins) including the tail.

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Distribution

Geography

Continents
Countries
Biogeographical realms

The Pfrimer's parakeet is endemic to Caatinga forest of the Goiás and Tocantins states of Brazil. These birds are known to be found up to 600 m up in deciduous or semi-deciduous forests. According to the BirdLife International and the IUCN they have an estimated extent of occurrence up to 20,300 km2. The range of this bird is severely fragmented due to habitat loss and ecosystem degradation. This is partly why BirdLife International has listed this species as Endangered.

Pfrimer's parakeet habitat map

Biome

Pfrimer's parakeet habitat map
Pfrimer's parakeet
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Habits and Lifestyle

These social birds can usually be found in flocks that can consist of up to 10 birds. These flocks are typically noisy when in flight but will be quiet when resting or feeding in the canopy.

Lifestyle
Seasonal behavior
Bird's call

Diet and Nutrition

The diet of the Pfrimer's parakeet is mostly made up of fruits, berries, and seeds; though they have been known to eat certain flowers, insects, and their larvae.

Mating Habits

The breeding season for is thought to start in April and continue until June. Adult Pfrimer's parakeets typically have around 3–8 eggs per nest.

Population

Population threats

Currently the Pfrimer's parakeet is Endangered. Since they only live within a small area human activities affecting their habitat are devastating. Currently there are anywhere from 20,000 to 49,000 individuals living in Brazil. This number is decreasing as deforestation and habitat degradation increase within their range. Anthropogenic activities, such as agriculture, mining, and hunting are reasons as to why the population is currently decreasing. According to the IUCN there has been a 66% decrease in its natural habitat within the last 31 years due to deforestation. This deforestation is typically through selective logging, fires, and the conversation of forested land to meadows.

References

1. Pfrimer's parakeet Wikipedia article - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pfrimer's_parakeet
2. Pfrimer's parakeet on The IUCN Red List site - https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22733974/95071284
3. Xeno-canto bird call - https://xeno-canto.org/698613

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