Grey-breasted Conures aka Brazilian Grey-breasted Conures

The Grey-breasted Conure or Parakeet (Pyrrhura griseipectus) – also commonly referred to as Brazilian Grey-breasted Conure – was formerly considered a subspecies of the White-eared Conure (Pyrrhura leucotis).

It is now suggested to be a separate species, based on range and subtle differences in color of crown, ear-coverts (feathers covering the ears) and chest. However, this has not been confirmed by a maternal lineage test (mtDNA).

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Distribution / Range

This conure is endemic to Ceará in northeast Brazil, where it is restricted to a few mountains with relatively humid forest and woodland in a region otherwise dominated by arid Caatinga (= “white forest” or “white vegetation”).

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

Description

The Grey-breasted Conure averages 22 cm (8.5 ins) in length.

It looks similar to the White-eared Conure (Pyrrhura leucotis), except the Grey-breasted lacks the blue markings to the forehead; the lores and cheeks are dark reddish-brown and the ear-coverts (feathers covering the ears) are whitish and generally more extensive.

Its breast is variably colored, from brownish-grey to dull grey, each feather with a broad whitish-brown edging. The blue band to the nape (back of the neck) is more pronounced and the tail upperside is green to the center. The Grey-breasted Conure has bare, whitish periophthalmic (eye) rings and dark brown irises.

Young birds have a duller plumage.

Personality

As these conures are so close to extinction, it is critical that any specimen that cannot be released back into the wild for whatever reason, be placed into a well-managed species conservation program.

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Taxonomy / Other Names

Genus: English: Red-tailed Conures … Dutch: Roodstaartparkieten … German: Rotschwanzsittiche … French: Perruche à queue rouge

Species: Pyrrhura griseipectus formerly Pyrrhura leucotis griseipectus … English: Brazilian Grey-breasted Conure … Dutch: Braziliaanse Witoorparkiet … German: Salvadoris Weißohrsittich … French: Perruche oreillon blanc Salvadori

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