First record of flavism in a free-ranging cactus parakeet (Eupsittula cactorum Kuhl, 1820) in Brazil

Flavism is a rare chromatic anomaly characterized by the partial reduction or absence of eumelanin, the pigment responsible for dark tones in plumage, resulting in individuals with predominantly yellowish coloration. Unlike albinism and leucism, this condition does not completely disrupt melanin production, allowing for the partial maintenance of other pigments. This study reports the first documented record of flavism in a free-ranging cactus parakeet ( Eupsittula cactorum ) in Brazil. The record was made on February 27, 2025, in the municipality of Santa Luzia, Paraíba, in an area of arboreal Caatinga near Pico do Yayu. During the observation, a flock of six individuals was spotted in flight, and it was subsequently possible to record a specimen with predominantly yellow plumage, displaying only small green areas distributed across its body. The individual was photographed in its natural environment alongside other members of the flock, demonstrating apparently normal behavior. In addition to describing the record, this study presents a review of chromatic anomalies in birds and highlights previous records of similar mutations in other psittacines. A survey was also conducted on the WikiAves platform, which identified 16 species of Psittacidae with records of chromatic alterations, underscoring the relevance of citizen science in expanding knowledge about these occurrences. This record expands the knowledge of Caatinga biodiversity and contributes to the understanding of chromatic variations in wild birds.