Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species is suspected to have a small population, scattered in several small subpopulations. Due to its status as a crop pest, the species is persecuted across its range, which is likely leading to population declines. The species is therefore assessed as Near Threatened.
Population justification
The population size has not been estimated, but the species is described as locally common (Ministerio de Medio Ambiente y Agua 2009, C. Yamashita in litt. 2022). Despite a lack of quantitative data the population is suspected to number 2,500-9,999 mature individuals, though this requires confirmation. The subpopulation structure has not been assessed, but based on observational records (per eBird 2021) it is assumed that the species forms several small subpopulations.
Trend justification
The species is persecuted as a crop pest and occasionally trapped for the cage-bird trade (Ministerio de Medio Ambiente y Agua 2009). The impact on the population size has not been investigated, but it is suspected that the population is in decline.
The species is endemic to Bolivia, where it is recorded in Cochabamba, Chuquisaca, Potosí and Santa Cruz.
The species is restricted to xerophytic vegetation near to cliff sites in intermontane valleys at elevations between 1,300 and 3,000 m (del Hoyo et al. 1997). It feeds on the seeds of various fruits, including those of Neocardenasia herzogiana and Acacia furcatispina, but also takes cultivated maize (del Hoyo et al. 1997). It breeds between December and March, building a bulky nest from twigs which is placed in crevices of cliffs (del Hoyo et al. 1997, Burgio et al. 2020). Unlike Monk Parakeet M. monachus it does not nest communally, but often nests are placed immediately adjacent to one another (del Hoyo et al. 1997).
The species is regarded as a crop pest; potential threats are direct persecution, poisoning and the loss and disturbance of its nesting sites due to intentional burning of nests (Ministerio de Medio Ambiente y Agua 2009, T. Boorsma in litt. 2022). Occasionally, the species is kept as a cage-bird (Ministerio de Medio Ambiente y Agua 2009).
Conservation Actions Underway
The species is listed under CITES Appendix II. It occurs in several protected areas across its range, including Toro Toro National Park.
Conservation Actions Proposed
Urgently quantify the population size and trend. Quantify the impact of hunting and trapping on the population size. Develop methods to deter birds from maize cultivations. Monitor the population trend. Protect suitable habitat. Raise awareness for the species with the aim of reducing hunting and trapping pressure.
26-28 cm. A medium sized green parakeet with a whitish forecrown, lower face and breast, becoming bright yellow on the lower breast and belly. The primaries and medium-long tail are a bright metallic blue. Similar species. Monk Parakeet has less extensive white on the crown, paler olive-yellow rather than bright yellow on the belly and dark centres to the white feathers of the upper breast.
Text account compilers
Hermes, C.
Contributors
Boorsma, T., Butchart, S., Ekstrom, J., Stattersfield, A., Symes, A., Taylor, J. & Yamashita, C.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Cliff Parakeet Myiopsitta luchsi. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/cliff-parakeet-myiopsitta-luchsi on 22/12/2024.
Recommended citation for factsheets for more than one species: BirdLife International (2024) IUCN Red List for birds. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/search on 22/12/2024.