Grey-cheeked parakeet

The grey-cheeked parakeet (Brotogeris pyrrhoptera), less commonly known as fire-winged parakeet, is a species of parrot in the family Psittacidae.

Grey-cheeked parakeet
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Psittaciformes
Family: Psittacidae
Genus: Brotogeris
Species:
B. pyrrhoptera
Binomial name
Brotogeris pyrrhoptera
(Latham, 1801)

Taxonomy

The grey-cheeked parakeet was described and named by John Latham in 1801.

Description

It is mostly green in color, with characteristic gray cheeks and a gray-blue crown. The underside of the wings bears a bright-orange swath between the lesser coverts and the mantle, earning them the name "orange-flanked parakeet", and the primary flight feathers are normally blue or bluish-green in color. Indeed, the specific name pyrrhoptera, (flame wing) gives light to these attributes. The average wingspan, length, and weight are 117 mm, 20 cm, and 54 g, respectively.[2] Their average lifespan in captivity is about 23 years. Grey-cheeked parakeets vocalize quite loudly despite their size. The sound could be described as a quick, sharp screech, and vocalizations may involve many monotone screeches in succession.

Distribution and habitat

The grey-cheeked parakeet is indigenous to northwestern Peru and western Ecuador, living in subtropical or tropical regions encompassing dry forests, moist lowland forests, shrubland, and arable land.[1] It has been developing a successful habitat as far north in the United States of America as far New York. Recent sightings of successful colonies in Brooklyn lead to believe they are expanding their territory well.

Breeding

Grey-cheeked parakeets do not build their nests in the canopies of trees. Rather, they prefer to build their nests in protected areas such as active termite mounds or tree hollows. Why termites tolerate their presence is unknown.[3] Their eggs, which are about 2.0 x 1.6 cm, are laid in clutches of four to six in a nest padded with moss. The female incubates the eggs for about 25–26 days,[4] while the male stands guard outside the nest.[5]

Status
In captivity in Cuenca, Ecuador

The grey-cheeked parakeet now faces habitat loss, irresponsible smuggling of pet birds, and hunting due to their destruction of banana plantations.[5] The species is now endangered, with most populations existing in the homes of private individuals as pets. Because of this, efforts have been undertaken to save this and several other species of Brotogeris endemic to the region.[6] It is protected by the Bonn Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals.[7]

Aviculture

Even in its native home, the grey-cheeked parakeet is widely kept as a pet. With patience, these birds may be taught to mimic human sounds, albeit without the clarity of larger parrots.[5]

References
  1. BirdLife International (2013). "Brotogeris pyrrhoptera". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2013. Retrieved 26 November 2013.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)
  2. Harris, Robbie (1985). Grey-cheeked Parakeets and other Brotogeris. Neptune, NJ.: T.F.H Publications, Inc., Ltd. ISBN 0-86622-089-5. pp. 6-7
  3. Harris, Robbie (1985). Grey-cheeked Parakeets and other Brotogeris. Neptune, NJ.: T.F.H Publications, Inc., Ltd. ISBN 0-86622-089-5., p. 89
  4. Harris, Robbie (1985). Grey-cheeked Parakeets and other Brotogeris. Neptune, NJ.: T.F.H Publications, Inc., Ltd. ISBN 0-86622-089-5., p. 105
  5. Vriends, Matthew M. (1979). Parrakeets of the World (sic). Neptune, NJ.: T.F.H. Publications, Inc. ISBN 0-87666-999-2.
  6. "Conservation effort launched to protect Peru's 'forgotten' forests". BirdLife International. Retrieved 2007-12-18.
  7. "CMS Appendix I" (PDF). 2006-02-23.


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