Pfrimer's Parakeet

Taxobox
name = Pfrimer's Parakeet


status = EN
status_system = iucn3.1
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Aves
ordo = Psittaciformes
familia = Psittacidae
genus = "Pyrrhura"
species = "P. pfrimeri"
binomial = "Pyrrhura pfrimeri"
binomial_authority = Miranda-Ribeiro, 1920
synonyms ="Pyrrhura leucotis pfrimeri"

The Pfrimer's Parakeet ("Pyrrhura pfrimeri"), in aviculture also known as Pfrimer's Conure, is a species of parrot in the family "Psittacidae". It is endemic to Goiás and Tocantins in Brazil. It is restricted to deciduous and semi-deciduous Caatinga forest.

It has often been 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.

This parrot is classified as Endangered by BirdLife International. The primary problem is the on-going habitat loss within its already fragmented range, but capture for the wild bird trade also poses a potential threat.

External links

* [http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/species/index.html?action=SpcHTMDetails.asp&sid=32205&m=0 BirdLife Species Factsheet]
* South American Classification Committee: [http://www.museum.lsu.edu/~Remsen/SACCprop181.html Treat Pyrrhura griseipectus and P. pfrimeri as distinct species from Pyrrhura leucotis.]
* Ribas, C. C., L. Joseph, C. Y. Miyaki (2006). "Molecular sytematics and patterns of diversification in "Pyrrhura" (Psittacidae), with special reference to the "picta-leucotis" complex." The Auk 123(3): 660-680.