Pfrimer's Parakeet
Pyrrhura pfrimeri
Long-tailed parakeet. Note the maroon face bordered by a bluish crown and cheeks and the scaly blue breast. An inhabitant of deciduous forests on rocky outcrops, where it is encountered in small flocks at fruiting trees, occasionally descending to the ground. Calls similar to other members of the White-eared Parakeet group.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Pyrrhura pfrimeri
- Authority
- Miranda-Ribeiro, 1920
- Order
- Psittaciformes
- Family
- Psittacidae
- Genus
- Pyrrhura
Range and habitat
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.
- Migration
- Resident species
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.<p>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.<p>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.
Conservation
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.<p>The Pfrimer's parakeet is not threatened by trade of exotic species as much as other exotic species but is still captured for this purpose on occasion. <p>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.<p>More general research is needed for the Pfrimer's parakeet. Little research has been done on this species and therefore reliable information and sources are uncommon. The IUCN currently has the largest source of data on the Pfrimer's parakeet, but other sources should as the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and BirdLife International are lacking in complete information. The habitat of the Pfrimer's parakeet shrinks by 2.1% each year and is in dire need of conservation. Logging and agriculture interests are currently the main threats against this species, which it needs protection from.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Hooded Siskin
Spinus magellanicus
Strikingly beautiful siskin found in woodland and grassland with scattered trees and usually highly gregarious; also sometimes associates with mixed-species flocks. Males have a black hood, wings, and tail, and are olive-yellow above and bright yellow below with large yellow wing patches. Females are duller and lack the black hood. The song is a long series of fast and squeaky notes; sometimes many males sing together.
Sickle-billed Vanga
Falculea palliata
Huge black-and-white vanga with a long curved bill. Juveniles have shorter bills. Madagascar endemic that is found at low elevations in spiny forest, dry deciduous forest, scrub, and plantations. Feeds by probing into cracks and crevices with its long bill, sometimes hanging upside down to do so. Very loud and vocal, giving a variety of calls including scolds, rasps, and a long wail that sounds almost like a human baby. Much larger than White-headed and Chabert Vangas, with a longer, curved bill.
Collared Imperial-Pigeon
Ducula mullerii
The large, nomadic pigeon of mangroves and riverine forests. Note the distinctive, full black collar that narrows at the front and meets the maroon back. Black tail with white band across. Small flocks often seen in flight or perched up on exposed branches. Unmistakable when seen perched, but in flight similar to Pinon’s Imperial-Pigeon. Collared Imperial-Pigeon is much more likely in mangroves. Call, a deep, muffled “woo-oo pooo” with the first 2-note call falling and the last, lower in pitch.
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