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Order:   Psittaciformes

Family:   Psittacidae

Species:   Psittacara leucophthalmus

IOC English name:  White-eyed Parakeet


Probably the most heard "maritaca" in the skies of Rio, the White-eyed Parakeet always flies in large flocks, making a racket in the early morning and late afternoon. Measuring between 30 and 32 centimeters in length, its body is totally green, with small red spots at the height of the neck and at the meeting of the wings. It also has yellow feathers on the underside of its wings and the part around its eyes is bare and white, with no feathers. It usually flies in mixed flocks with other species of "shellfish". Its strong beak is used to eat fruits and seeds. Although it is common in the city of Rio de Janeiro, it can be heard only occasionally flying over the Campus of Praia Vermelha.