Orange-cheeked Parrot Pyrilia barrabandi Scientific name definitions

Two subspecies of the Orange-cheeked Parrot are recognized over the species’ relatively large, primarily western and central Amazonian range, which extends from southeast Colombia and southern Venezuela south across much of Amazonian Brazil, except the extreme east, to northernmost Bolivia. It is a stunningly plumaged parrot, with a black head relieved by a large orange-yellow malar patch and bare white periorbital patch, an olive-yellow throat and breast, and orange-yellow, red, and blue feathering on the wings, which are also marked by their black primaries. The more southerly ranging of the two subspecies is distinguished by its richer orange-colored malar region, shoulder, and thighs. Despite the species being generally uncommon over much of its distribution, the Orange-cheeked Parrot does not appear to be especially threatened, as the greater part of its range is still only subject to relatively minor but increasing inroads by logging concerns.

25 cm; 165–190 g (mean also given as 140 g). Head black circumscribing large orange-yellow malar patch  and white bare orbital ring; throat  and upper breast olive-yellow; rest of body green , but with shoulder orange-yellow, carpal edge and underwing-coverts red , primaries blackish, thighs yellow, tail tipped dull blue. Immature has head brown and olive, less orange and red in wing.

May form a parapatric species-trio with Caica Parrot (Pyrilia caica) and Vulturine Parrot (Pyrilia vulturina).

Editor's Note: Additional distribution information for this taxon can be found in the 'Subspecies' article above. In the future we will develop a range-wide distribution article.

Like Caica Parrot (Pyrilia caica) a bird of primary lowland terra firme forest, but sometimes also in seasonally flooded várzea forest, and sandy-belt woodland; ranges up to only 500 m.

Seeds and fruits: of six food-plants, three were Moraceae (Ficus, Pourouma, and Pseudolmedia), two Leguminosae (Mimosa and Pithecellobium), and one Olacaceae (Heisteria); figs, e.g., of Ficus sphenophylla and another with larger fruit, clearly important. Seen biting leaf galls on Pithecellobium trees, presumably for wasp larvae. Recorded also feeding on flowers.

Vocal Development

No information.

Vocal Array

Churee. Most common call is a single disyllabic reedy churee or chu-wink repeated at intervals, given both in flight and when perched. This call is reminiscent of sympatric Blue-headed Parrot (Pionus menstruus) but has a less grating sound. On sonogram shows a complex shape with a burry start and a more melodious rising end.

Chatter. A loud rapid grating chatter kra-kra-kra, usually uttered when taking off. Such a loud salvo may be preceded or followed by a few single kra notes.

Other. When perched in group, utters soft guttural conversational vocalizations such as a short kek or krik.

Geographic Variation

No indication of geographic variation.

Phenology

Vocal throughout the year.

Daily Pattern of Vocalizing

Vocalizes in flight when leaving roost early in the morning, and again in late afternoon when returning. During the day, may also call when in fast straight flight between feeding locations, or in circling flight when assembling around a clay lick. When perched, birds are typically rather silent, and conversational calls are only audible at close range.

Places of Vocalizing

In flight, only Churee call is used (therefore also named 'flight call' 1 Juniper, T., and M. Parr (1998). Parrots. A Guide to the Parrots of the World. Pica Press, Robertsbridge, UK. Close ). When perched, may also utter Churee call or other conversational vocalizations. When alarmed or taking off after disturbance, utters explosive Chatter. Does not use a particular perch for vocalizing, but rather calls now and then when feeding in group, and birds are typically concealed by foliage, sitting on twigs in the canopy of fruiting trees.

Sex Differences

No information.

Social Context and Presumed Functions of Vocalizations

Churee call is a long-range contact call, while more subdued kek or krik calls are used at close range. Chatter expresses alarm or distress, and likely has an alerting function to other members of a group.

None documented.

Probably September–October in east of range, based on immatures in February. No further data.

Not globally threatened. CITES II. Currently considered Near Threatened. Generally uncommon and local, but occasionally frequent to numerous in western parts of range, e.g., northern Bolivia, this possibly related to scarcity of Blue-headed Parrot (Pionus menstruus) and Amazona species in the region. Present in Manu National Park, Peru, where density reaches 0·5 pairs/km². Habitat for this species is still very extensive and intact, despite encroachments from east and south, and trade is minimal.