Abstract:

A systematic review of the races of the Scaly-headed parrot (Pionus maxiniliani) The author revised the geographic distribution of the four recognized races of this Parrot; a total of 187 specimens from 86 localities were examined. The confuse situation in Northem Argentina is solved, and the validity of the race lacerus is confirmed. The results diverge from those reported by Smith (1960). He restricted the race siy to NE Argentina and reported overlap with lacerus in Formosa, Chaco and Paraguay; the observations show intergradation between siy and melanoblepharus in this area. The race melanoblepharus is restricted in Argentina only to Misiones and also intergrades with siy. The geograpbic ranges of the four races of this Parrot are described.