Pyrrhura leucotis
The White-eared Parakeet (Pyrrhura leucotis) is a vibrant, small parakeet endemic to the Atlantic Forest of eastern Brazil. Measuring about 22-23 cm (8.7-9 inches) in length and weighing approximately 50-60 grams, it is predominantly green with a distinctive dark brown cap and prominent pale yellowish to white ear-coverts, which give it its common name. Its throat and upper breast display a scaly, bluish-green pattern, transitioning to a striking reddish-brown patch on the belly, and its unde...
Resident in humid evergreen forests, including primary and mature secondary growth of the Atlantic Forest biome, from sea level up to 900 meters elevation.
Feeds predominantly on a diverse range of fruits, seeds, berries, and flowers, occasionally supplementing its diet with insects or their larvae.
White-eared Parakeets are highly social and diurnal, often observed in small groups of pairs or family units, which can coalesce into larger flocks of up to 30-40 individuals outside the breeding season. They are primarily arboreal, moving agilely through tree canopies, frequently hanging upside ...
The White-eared Parakeet is endemic to a fragmented range within the Atlantic Forest biome of eastern Brazil. Its distribution spans from southern Bahia, extending south through Espírito Santo and Minas Gerais, into northern Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo states. The species inhabits elevations fro...
Near Threatened
- The White-eared Parakeet is named for its distinctive pale ear patches, a key identification feature among its mostly green relatives. - It's often observed hanging upside down to reach ripe fruits and seeds, showcasing its remarkable agility in the forest canopy. - Known for its exceptionally ...