Green-cheeked Parakeet

The green-cheeked parakeet (Pyrrhura molinae), also sometimes known as the green-cheeked conure in aviculture, is a species of bird in subfamily Arinae of the family Psittacidae, aka the parrots. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay. It is also a popular pet bird. == Taxonomy and systematics == The green-cheeked parakeet has six subspecies: P. m. flavoptera Maijer, Herzog, Kessler, Friggens & Fjeldsa, 1998 P. m. molinae (Massena & Souance, 1854) P. m. phoenicura (Schlegel, 1864) P. m. hypoxantha (Salvadori 1899) P. m. restricta Todd, 1947 P. m. australis Todd, 1915 Subspecies P. m. hypoxantha was previously known as P. m. sordida and was sometimes treated as a separate species. However, by the principle of priority the older name hypoxantha replaced sordida. The green-cheeked parakeet has also been treated as conspecific with the maroon-bellied parakeet (P. frontalis). The green-cheeked parakeet is most closely related to the maroon-bellied, pearly (P. lepida), and crimson-bellied (P. perlata) parakeets. == Description == The green-cheeked parakeet is 25 to 26 cm (9.8 to 10 in) long and weighs 62 to 81 g (2.2 to 2.9 oz). The sexes are the same sizes. Adults of the nominate subspecies P. m. molinae are dull brown…