Red-eared Parakeet

Locally common within its small range; especially numerous in Henri Pittier NP. Range-restricted but not hard to find at the right elevation — noisy flocks make it relatively easy to detect.

Mid-sized green Pyrrhura (~25 cm) with a long maroon/red tail, dull blue in the primaries, and the diagnostic dark red ear-coverts patch. Scaly/barred buff-and-dusky breast typical of the genus; whitish bare orbital ring. The only Pyrrhura in the coastal cordillera, so within range ID is straightforward. Nominate vs. P. h. immarginata differ subtly in breast scaling.

Humid montane and cloud forest, forest edge and adjacent semi-open areas with scattered trees; roughly 600–2,400 m, most numerous 1,000–2,000 m.

Gregarious; travels in fast, tight, noisy flocks (typically 6–20+) that careen over the canopy and dive into fruiting trees. Feeds on fruit, seeds, flowers and Cecropia catkins; can be quiet and surprisingly cryptic when perched and feeding in the canopy.

Flight calls are sharp, high, rolling chattering screeches typical of Pyrrhura, given constantly in flight. Listen for the rasping in-flight 'krree-krree' chorus. Recordings: search 'Pyrrhura hoematotis' on Xeno-canto and 'Red-eared Parakeet' on the Macaulay Library / Merlin.

Work the Portachuelo Pass / Rancho Grande area at first light and scan fruiting trees and ridge flyovers — get clients onto the call first, then track the flock to a perch where the red ear patch and maroon tail can be scoped.