Rose-headed Parakeet Pyrrhura rhodocephala Scientific name definitions

The Rose-headed Parakeet is restricted to the Andes of western Venezuela, where it occurs in humid montane forest at ca 1500-2500 m. It is the only species of Pyrrhura parakeet within its range. The entire head is not red, but the crown is bright rose ret. There also is a small red area on the auriculars, but otherwise the remainder of the head is green; a frequently used alternative English name is Rose-crowned Parakeet. The most striking feature is the white of the primary coverts, which contrasts with the blue primaries and the green body plumage. As do other species of Pyrrhura, Rose-headed Parakeets fly in small, close flocks, often in twisting flight through the canopy, but this species is more likely than of Pyrrhura to visit open areas away from forest. The Rose-headed Parakeet is fairly common, and despite its restricted geographic range it is not classified as a threatened species.

24–25 cm. Forehead  to nape red, ear-coverts light maroon; bare orbital ring white; face and sides of neck green, shading to vaguely brown-barred green on underparts ; upperparts green with yellow carpal edge, white primary coverts and blue in primaries; tail reddish brown, duskier below. Immature lacks red in crown.

Andes of NW Venezuela (S Lara, Trujillo, NW Barinas, Mérida, N Táchira).

No information.

Most common call is a series of short nasal harsh notes, e.g. “krr kek kek kek...”, both in flight and perched. Also “krree”, “kurree” and “krrr” calls. In flight, individuals of a group call frequently and simultaneously, producing a noisy, harsh chattering. However, perched birds can be silent for prolonged periods.

Reportedly May–Jun.

Not globally threatened (Least Concern). CITES II. Restricted-range species: present in Cordillera de Mérida EBA. Fairly common. Despite some contrary evidence, population considered stable within its limited range, which has suffered some habitat loss but is not yet a major problem; a published report of serious decline appears to be based on misreading. Little trade recorded, and rarely observed in captivity in Venezuela. Occurs in several fairly large protected areas, including Yacambú National Park (IUCN Cat. II; 269 km²) in Lara, Guaramacal National Park (IUCN Cat. II; 210 km²) in Trujillo, and Sierra de La Culata (IUCN Cat. II; 2004 km²) and Sierra Nevada National Parks (IUCN Cat. II; 2764 km²) in Mérida.