Grey-breasted parakeet

The Grey-Breasted Parakeet

The grey-breasted parakeet (Pyrrhura griseipectus) is a small, Endangered bird species native to northeastern Brazil. For a period, it was considered a subspecies of the white-eared parakeet, but is now recognized as a distinct species.

Description and Appearance

This parakeet typically measures between 20 to 23 cm in length. Adults share the same appearance regardless of sex. They are characterized by a brown crown, a striking plum-red face, and white ear coverts. Their upperparts are predominantly green, accented by a red-brown rump. A distinctive feature is their chin, throat, and the sides of their neck, which are a scaly grey. The center of their belly is a rich red-brown, while the rest of their underparts are green. Their wings are primarily green, marked with a red shoulder and bluish flight feathers, and their tail is red-brown.

Distribution and Habitat

Historically, the grey-breasted parakeet's range included at least 15 locations across several Brazilian states. As of recent documentation, it is known from only a few sites in the state of Ceará, specifically Serra do Baturité, Quixadá, and Ibaretama. A 2022 discovery documented a flock in Bahia, approximately 800 km south of the Ceará sites. The Ceará population prefers tall humid forest enclaves within drier caatinga environments and areas with granite or sandstone geology, typically found at elevations above 500 meters. The birds found in Bahia inhabit coastal regions including mangroves, restinga, and abandoned coconut plantations, suggesting a notable ecological plasticity.

Behavior and Diet

The grey-breasted parakeet is observed foraging in the forest canopy for its diet of fruits and seeds. There is no known migratory pattern for this species. Their vocalization is described as a piercing, fast, chattering call, often transcribed as "t'kreet-kreet-wik-kreet-krit."

Breeding and Reproduction

While the full breeding season is not precisely known, in Ceará it is understood to include February and March. They are known to nest in natural cavities within trees and rocks. Conservation efforts have also led to the successful use of erected nest boxes. Clutch sizes can be as large as seven eggs, though specific details regarding the incubation period, time to fledging, and parental care are not extensively documented.

Conservation Status and Threats

The grey-breasted parakeet is currently classified as Endangered by the IUCN, a revision from its previous Critically Endangered status. Its population is estimated to be between 400 and 600 mature individuals, occupying very small areas. Intensive conservation actions, including the provision of nest boxes, are believed to be contributing to population increases at known sites. Significant threats include the conversion of its forest habitat for agriculture, particularly coffee farming, and the ongoing issue of illegal trapping for the pet trade. The discovery of the species in new habitats in Bahia suggests a broader historical distribution and potential adaptability to different environments.