Blood-eared parakeet

The blood-eared parakeet has two subspecies, the nominate P. h. hoematotis (Souancé, 1857) and P. h. immarginata (Zimmer & W.H. Phelps, 1944).[3]

The blood-eared parakeet is about 25 cm (9.8 in) long and weighs 64 to 74 g (2.3 to 2.6 oz). The sexes are the same. Adults of the nominate subspecies are slaty gray from forehead to mid-crown, with bare white skin around the eye and bright terracotta ear coverts that give it its English name. Their nape feathers are green with yellow edges and the rest of their upperparts are green. Their throat, the sides of their neck, and their upper breast are yellow-green with grayish feather edges giving a scaly appearance. The rest of their underparts are green with some reddish brown on the belly and bluish green undertail coverts. Their wing is mostly green with blue primaries. Their tail's upperside is brownish red with green feather tips; its underside is coppery. Subspecies P. h. immarginata has a green crown and nape and reduced scaling on the sides of the neck.[4]

The nominate subspecies of the blood-eared parakeet is found in the Venezuelan Coastal Range between the states of Aragua and Miranda. P. h. immarginata is found in the Andes of southeastern Lara state. The species inhabits the interior and edges of cloudforest and secondary forest, wooded savanna, and clearings with scattered trees. In elevation it mostly occurs between 1,000 and 2,000 m (3,300 and 6,600 ft).[4]

The IUCN has assessed the blood-eared parakeet as being of Least Concern, though it has a small range and a population of unknown size that is believed to be decreasing. No immediate threats have been identified.[1] It occurs in several well-protected areas. However, "due to its small range and apparently declining population, this species may be of conservation concern; population estimates are urgently needed."[4]