Blood-eared Parakeet

The Blood-eared Parakeet, also known as the Red-eared Parakeet or in aviculture as the Red-eared Conure, is a charming bird approximately 25 cm in length, weighing between 64 to 74 grams. Both sexes share a similar appearance, characterized by their slaty gray foreheads extending to the mid-crown, complemented by bare white skin around the eyes. Their namesake feature, the bright terracotta ear coverts, stands out vividly against their plumage.

Identification Tips

To identify the Blood-eared Parakeet, look for the distinctive terracotta patches on their ears. Their nape is adorned with green feathers edged in yellow, while the rest of their upperparts are a lush green. The throat and upper breast exhibit a yellow-green hue with a scaly appearance due to grayish feather edges. The underparts are primarily green with hints of reddish-brown on the belly and bluish-green undertail coverts. Their wings are mostly green with blue primaries, and the tail is a striking brownish-red with green tips on the upperside and a coppery underside.

Habitat

This species thrives in the interiors and edges of cloud forests and secondary forests, as well as wooded savannas and clearings with scattered trees.

Distribution

The Blood-eared Parakeet is endemic to Venezuela, with the nominate subspecies residing in the Venezuelan Coastal Range between Aragua and Miranda states. The subspecies P. h. immarginata is found in the Andes of southeastern Lara state.

Behaviour

During the dry season, some individuals may descend to lower elevations, seeking semi-deciduous forests.

Song & calls

The Blood-eared Parakeet communicates with a series of harsh notes, such as "krree krree krree," both while perched and in flight. When perched, they may also emit single "kurree," "kurruk," or "krreekuk" notes, though they can be quite silent at times. In contrast, flocks in flight create a cacophony of noisy, harsh chattering.

Breeding

Breeding occurs in the wet season, peaking in August, but details of their breeding biology remain largely a mystery.

Diet and Feeding

These parakeets forage in small flocks within the forest canopy, feasting on a diet that includes fruits, seeds, flowers, and possibly insect larvae.

Conservation status

The IUCN has classified the Blood-eared Parakeet as Least Concern. Despite its small range and declining population, no immediate threats have been identified. It is found in several well-protected areas, but due to its limited range and population trends, conservationists are calling for population estimates to better assess its status.