Abstract
The red-capped parrot (Pionopsitta
pileata) is extremely rare in captivity.
Also known as the pileated parrot, it is
totally distinct from, and should not be
confused with, the more familiar Australian
red-capped or pileated parakeet
(Purpureicephalus spurius).
The range of this very attractive and
unique neotropical species is southeast
Brazil from southern Bahia south to Rio
Grande do Sul, eastern Paraguay, and
northeastern Argentina in Misiones.
The red-capped parrot is a forest bird
and, like so many species associated
with this type of habitat, has suffered
greatly from loss of habitat, through
widespread land clearing and increased
urban development. Their numbers
have dwindled alarmingly in certain
portions of their range and, as a result,
they are listed on Appendix I of CITES
(status: ENDANGERED).