Pyrrhura leucotis (Kuhl, 1820)

Common Name and Size

Pyrrhura leucotis, commonly known as the white-eared parakeet, measures 23 to 25 cm (9.1 to 9.8 in) in total length.

Sexual Dimorphism

Males and females are identical in appearance.

Head Plumage

Adult individuals have a light brown crown, bluish forehead and hindneck, maroon face, and whitish ear coverts.

Upperparts Plumage

Most of their upperparts are green, with a reddish rump.

Throat and Neck Plumage

Their chin, throat, and neck sides are green, marked with light buff scaling.

Underparts Plumage

The center of the belly is brownish red, while the remaining underparts are green.

Wing Plumage

Their wings are mostly green, with a red shoulder patch and blue flight feathers.

Tail Plumage

Their tail is brownish red, with a duller colored underside.

Immature Plumage

Immature white-eared parakeets resemble adult individuals.

Distribution Range

This species is distributed in eastern Brazil, ranging from Bahia southward to Rio de Janeiro state.

Habitat Types

It lives in the interior and edges of tropical evergreen forest, clearings with scattered trees, and shaded cacao plantations.

Elevation Range

It occurs at elevations from sea level up to approximately 600 m (2,000 ft).