Red-faced Parrot
Hapalopsittaca pyrrhops
Rare and threatened parrot found only in high Andean forest in southern Ecuador and adjacent parts of northern Peru. Small compared to most other parrots. Red face is bordered with patches of blue and yellow. Wings are green and blue with red on the shoulder. Usually encountered in pairs or small flocks that fly over the forest and then disappear into the canopy, where they can be very hard to pick out as they forage for fruit behind the foliage.
Taxonomy
The parrot is monotypic. Historically, it was treated as a subspecies of the rusty-faced parrot (Hapalopsittaca amazonia). However, a 1989 study by Graves & Uribe Restrepo found substantial evidence to regard it as a full species.
- Scientific name
- Hapalopsittaca pyrrhops
- Authority
- (Salvin, 1876)
- Order
- Psittaciformes
- Family
- Psittacidae
- Genus
- Hapalopsittaca
Range and habitat
Currently, the red-faced parrot has only been found in Ecuador and Peru, mostly between the eastern Andes mountain range of southern Ecuador and the northwest region of Peru. More specifically, they inhabit mild forests of the provinces of Azuay, Loja and Morona-Santiago and the Piura department in Peru. They are also found in Selva Alegre which has the largest population of red-faced parrots. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. They have been noted to reside in shrubby growth next to páramo. This parrot is known to have vocalizations to find other flocks of birds in their area.
- Migration
- Vertical migration
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Two-banded Warbler
Myiothlypis bivittata
Small, yellowish bird with a fine black bill and distinctive black stripes on head. Mostly green above and yellow below; has rufous or orange crown bordered by black, but crown color can be difficult to ascertain. Note olive eyebrow becoming yellow in front of eye, and bright pinkish-yellow legs. Inhabits dense understory of foothill forests along the eastern slope of the southern Andes and in the tepui region. Usually occurs in pairs or small family groups that forage actively for insects, often joining mixed-species flocks. Song in tepuis is a series of chips followed by a high-pitched, screeching note. In southern part of range, song is very different: a rich rollicking series of notes that may vaguely recall House Wren and is often given by pairs as a duet. In southern Andes, most similar to Golden-bellied Warbler but has olive (not entirely yellow) eyebrow; also similar to Golden-crowned Warbler but typically occurs at higher elevations and has olive (not whitish) eyebrow.
Cassin's Vireo
Vireo cassinii
Fairly dull vireo, intermediate between Blue-headed and Plumbeous. Grayish-olive overall, but with yellowish flanks and greenish back. Note white spectacles contrasting with gray head and two whitish wingbars. Breeds in mixed coniferous forests, especially in mountainous areas; winters in Mexico. Often separable from Blue-headed and Plumbeous Vireos by range, but can overlap during migration and winter. Cassin's is less contrasty than Blue-headed, especially between the gray face and whitish throat, and the greenish back blends into the nape and crown. Some birds are best left unidentified.
Masatierra Petrel
Pterodroma defilippiana
Small but rather stocky and stout-billed petrel of subtropical eastern Pacific and Humboldt Current; not seen from mainland. One of several similar species, Masatierra is best identified by gray head and collar at sides of neck, rather stout bill, and plain grayish tail without a black tip. Much smaller than Juan Fernandez Petrel with quick wheeling flight unlike more easy and less hurried-looking flight of Juan. Also compare with Stejneger’s and Cook’s Petrels.
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