Grey-breasted Parakeet

Wednesday, October 21, 2009 |

The Grey-breasted Parakeet is a species of parrot in the family Psittacidae. It is endemic to CearĂ¡ in north-eastern Brazil and restricted to a few mountains with relatively humid forest and woodland in a region otherwise dominated by arid Caatinga.

Until recently, it was considered a subspecies of the White-eared Parakeet, as Pyrrhura leucotis griseipectus. The split was based on range and subtle differences in colour of crown, ear-coverts and chest. A recent study based on mtDNA has failed to confirm the status of the Grey-breated Parakeet as a species distinct from the White-eared Parakeet, while confirming the species status of Pfrimer's Parakeet.

This parrot is classified as Critically Endangered by BirdLife International. It has an extremely small population and occupies a very small known range. The population is estimated to be less than 250 adult birds.

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