And finally, doing its very best "fairy-atop-a-Christmas-tree impression", a 'Cristalino' Parakeet. Another easily seen species, with noisy groups almost permanently on show in both the staff and guest clearings, this is, however, probably the most range-restricted "species" on the reserve. This subspecies, so far only known from a few localities around Alta Floresta in northern Mato Grosso, was only described in 2008 and, depending on which authority you follow, is currently considered to be a subspecies of either Santarém Parakeet or Madeira Parakeet. Having seen true Santaréms in southern Pará this year, I can confirm they do look quite different, and research has suggested the Cristalino birds to be an isolated population of Madeira Parakeets, possibly even warranting full species status themselves. Ah, the joys of trying to put finite labels on the constantly changing process of evolution!
Merry Xmas one and all.
