Sun Parakeet (Aratinga solstitialis) Science Article 1
abstract
Knowledge of Aratinga solstitialis is reviewed and found to be mostly antiquated. The bird’s known range, though possibly consisting of two populations, seems more restricted than previously thought with no specimens or published records unequivocally from Venezuela and French Guiana despite remarks of some previous authors. There is little indication that the birds are common. Fourteen specimens and four sight records from along or near the Rio Amazonas suggest the possibility of an isolated, resident population inhabiting varzea (flooded forest) and secondary vegetation along the lower Rio Amazonas and its tributaries. The observed intermediacy of some of the Rio Amazonas birds between A. s. solstitialis and A. s. jandaya is probably due to age-related individual variation. Investigations, including a search for more specimens, are continuing.
Leo Joseph, ORNITOLOGIA NEOTROPICAL 3: 17-26