Pfrimer's Parakeet
A species of Lesser Neotropical Parakeets Scientific name : Pyrrhura pfrimeri Genus : Lesser Neotropical Parakeets
Pfrimer's Parakeet, A species of Lesser Neotropical Parakeets
Botanical name: Pyrrhura pfrimeri
Genus: Lesser Neotropical Parakeets
Content
Description General Info
Description
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. 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 20,000–49,000 individuals. The main factor behind the decreasing population is deforestation for agriculture. Individuals have an average lifespan of 6–8 years.
Feeding Habits
Pfrimer's Parakeet primarily consumes fruits, berries, and seeds, supplementing their diet occasionally with flowers, insects, and larvae. Their foraging is adapted to these foods, with specific behaviors for each type.
Habitat
The pfrimer's Parakeet typically inhabits deciduous or semi-deciduous dry forests that thrive on limestone outcrops or soils derived from limestone. This species is often located in regions where recently fragmented forest patches are present, although it is usually found in areas not far from the forest edge. The bird favors environments with certain substrate conditions, indicative of its specialized habitat preferences within broader geographical woodlands.
Dite type
Herbivorous
General Info
Behavior
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.
Distribution Area
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 km. 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.
Species Status
Currently the only action in the conservation of this species is some protection of its native habitat. Other than this there are no major conservation plans in place are specifically for the Pfrimer's parakeet in place.