Crimson-bellied parakeet


The crimson-bellied parakeet, more commonly known as the crimson-bellied conure in aviculture, is a species of parrot in the family Psittacidae.

Taxonomy

Its taxonomic history is potentially confusing. It was formerly known as Pyrrhura rhodogaster, but following a review it was discovered that the type specimen for P. perlata, long believed to belong to the closely related pearly parakeet, actually was a juvenile crimson-bellied parakeet. Consequently, P. perlata was transferred to this species, while P. rhodogaster became a junior synonym.

Description

Pyrrhura perlata adults are partly green in colour. They have yellow/green cheeks, turning to blue on lower cheeks. The breast is brown with pale off-white and dark brown barring. Crimson-bellied parakeets have a blue collar around their hindnecks, varying with each bird. They have red bend of wing, lesser underwing coverts; blue thighs to tail coverts The tail is brown/red. Pyrrhura perlata has a brown/grey beak. Its eye ring are bare and white. Its eyes are dark brown. Crimson-bellied conures weigh about 85–94 g.

Distribution and habitat

It is found in the south-central Amazon rainforest in Brazil and Bolivia. It remains locally fairly common, but is threatened by accelerating deforestation in its range and consequently considered to be vulnerable by the IUCN.

Food and feeding

This species prefers dense vegetation from the secondary forests and forest margins. Their diet consists primarily of fruits of Trema micrantha, various palms, Cecropia, and flowers like Bertholletia excelsa.