Crimson-bellied Parakeet

Overview

The crimson-bellied parakeet (Pyrrhura perlata), also known as the crimson-bellied conure in aviculture, is a species of parrot in the family Psittacidae. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, though its population is believed to be decreasing due to habitat loss and hunting.

Identification

• Measures 24 to 25 cm in length with a weight of 76 to 91 g.
• Adults feature a dark grayish brown head with pale flecks, a turquoise-blue lower cheek, and a narrow blue band on the nape.
• The belly and upper flanks are bright red, contrasting with greenish blue lower flanks and a gray to blue scaly throat and upper breast.
• Vocalises with a high, rapid 'wrr'wur-wir-wir-wir' and a strange, slightly toy-trumpet-like 'peeéh'.

Habitat

Found in the Amazon Basin, ranging from the Mamoré River in northeastern Bolivia east into Brazil south of the Amazon River. It primarily inhabits the canopy and edges of humid terra firme forest and secondary forest, extending as high as 600 m in elevation.

Diet

The species feeds mainly on fruit, with flowers also included in its diet.

Did you know?

The crimson-bellied parakeet's taxonomic history was potentially confusing until a 1983 review revealed that the type specimen for P. perlata, long believed to belong to the closely related pearly parakeet, was actually a juvenile crimson-bellied parakeet.