The White-eared Parakeet or Maroon-faced Parakeet (Pyrrhura leucotis) is a small parrot belonging to the genus Pyrrhura. The Venezuelan, Grey-breasted and Pfrimer's Parakeets were formerly classed as subspecies of this bird but are increasingly treated as separate species.

Description

It is 21-22 centimetres long. The plumage is mostly green with black and white scaling on the breast and a dark-red belly and rump. The face and throat are chestnut, the forehead is bluish and there is a white ear-patch. The long, graduated tail has a red underside. The bird has a sharp call which is repeated three or four times.

The Grey-breasted Parakeet is similar but has a larger head, longer bill and larger white ear-patch. Pfrimer's Parakeet differs from the White-eared Parakeet in having a bluish crown and nape and lacking the ear-patch.

Habitat and range

It is found in eastern Brazil where it occurs from Rio de Janeiro state north to Bahia. It inhabits the canopy of humid forests from the lowlands up to 500 metres above sea-level. It usually forages in flocks. Its population has declined recently because of deforestation.

The other members of the complex have ranges widely separated from that of the White-eared Parakeet. The Venezuelan Parakeet occurs in northern Venezuela, the Grey-breasted Parakeet in north-east Brazil (Ceará and a single questionable record from Pernambuco) and Pfrimer's Parakeet in central Brazil (Goias and Tocantins).