Pyrrhura

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 deciduous or gallery woodland, and another, the Pfrimer's parakeet, is restricted to dry regions. Some species are highly endangered.

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

See text.

Maroon-tailed parakeet (in front), and black-capped parakeet (behind); illustration by Keulemans, 1891

Depending on the species, the total length range from 22 to 30 centimetres (8.7 to 11.8 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 (especially if aware of danger) and difficult to spot. They nest in a tree-crevice.

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

The taxonomy of some groups, in particular the Pyrrhura picta and the P. leucotis complexes, has changed significantly in recent years. In late 2008 it was proposed that the members of the P. picta complex from north-eastern Peru (the so-called "group 6" in Joseph, 2002) should be considered a new species, the Amazon red-fronted parakeet, P. parvifrons. This has yet to receive widespread recognition (e.g., by SACC), and consequently it is not included in the below list.

Species

Species photographs

References
  • Arndt, T. (2008). Anmerkungen zu einigen Pyrrhura-Formen mit der Beschreibung einer neuen Art und zweier neuer Unterarten. Papageien 8/2008.
  • Joseph, L. (2002). Geographic variation, taxonomy and distribution of some Amazonian Pyrrhura parakeets. Ornitologia Neotropical 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.
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