Red-masked Parakeet Psittacara erythrogenys

Red-masked Parakeet is the Aratinga of the dry forests of the lowlands of southwestern Ecuador and northwestern Peru. Its range abuts that of Scarlet-fronted Parakeet (Psittacara wagleri); Scarlet-fronted primarily occurs at higher elevations, in moister montane forests, but occasionally the two species may be found at the same sites. Red-masked Parakeet is grass green with a solid red plumage "mask" covering the forecrown, crown, lores and cheeks, along with red underwing coverts and red terminal tibiotarsal (leg) feathers. Red-masked Parakeet is a social species, and usually is encountered in flocks. Its diet is not well known but includes the seeds and fruit of several different tree species and Erythrina flowers. Red-masked Parakeet formerly was very common throughout its range, but the population has declined markedly in recent decades. Its IUCN Red List status is rated as Near-Threatened, but some authorities believe that it would be more accurate to classify Red-masked Parakeet as Vulnerable.