Pyrrhura

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Pyrrhura
Green-cheeked Parakeet (Pyrrhura molinae)
Green-cheeked Parakeet (Pyrrhura molinae)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Psittaciformes
Family: Psittacidae
Subfamily: Psittacinae
Tribe: Arini
Genus: Pyrrhura
Bonaparte, 1856
Species

See text.

Pyrrhura is a genus of parrots in the Arini tribe. They occur in tropical and subtropical South America and southern Central America (Panama and Costa Rica). Most are restricted to humid forest and adjacent habitats, but one species, the Blaze-winged Parakeet, prefers savanna-like habitats, and another, the Pfrimer's Parakeet, is restricted to dry regions. Some species are highly endangered.

Depending on the species, the total length range from 22 to 30 cm (8½-12 in). All have long, pointed tails, a mainly green plumage, and a relatively narrow, dark greyish to white eye-ring. Many have scaly or barred chest-patterns and a whitish, pale grey, buff or reddish ear-patch.

They typically move around in small, noisy flocks, flying swiftly at or below canopy level. Once settled in a tree they tend to be silent (esp. if aware of danger) and difficult to spot. They nest in a tree-crevice.

Some species are popular in aviculture where they commonly are referred to as conures instead of parakeets.

The taxonomy of some groups, in particular the Pyrrhura picta and the P. leucotis complexes, have changed significantly in recent years, but not all authorities accept this, e.g. SACC accept the split of the latter, but not that of the former. Furthermore, the taxonomic status of individuals of the P. picta complex from far north-eastern Peru (the so-called "group 6" in Joseph, 2002) remain unclear.

[edit] Species

[edit] Species photographs

Blue-throated Parakeet (Pyrrhura cruentata)

Maroon-bellied Parakeet
(Pyrrhura frontalis)

Green-cheeked Parakeet
(Pyrrhura molinae)

[edit] References

  • Joseph, L. (2002). Geographic variation, taxonomy and distribution of some Amazonian Pyrrhura parakeets. Ornitologia Neotrpical 13 (4): 337-363.
  • Juniper, T., and M. Parr (1998). A Guide to the Parrots of the World. Pica Press, East Sussex. ISBN 1-873403-40-2
  • Remsen, J. V., Jr., C. D. Cadena, A. Jaramillo, M. Nores, J. F. Pacheco, M. B. Robbins, T. S. Schulenberg, F. G. Stiles, D. F. Stotz, and K. J. Zimmer. Version 28 Jun. 2007. A classification of the bird species of South America. American Ornithologists' Union.
  • Restall, R., C. Rodner, and M. Lentino. (2006). Birds of Northern South America - An Identification Guide.. Christopher Helm, London. ISBN 0-7136-7242-0
  • Ribas, C., L. Joseph, and C. Miyaki (2006). Molecular systematics and patterns of diversification in Pyrrhura (Psittacidae), with special reference to the picta-leucotis complex. Auk 123 (3): 660-680.